Being diagnosed with dementia can be daunting to both the person with dementia and their families. As time goes on, daily activities and routines, communication and personal care may become difficult for the affected individual. There is no cure for most types of dementia at the moment, but with the proper support, individuals will be able to stay independent, safe, and live high-quality lives.
This guide will cover all the basics of dementia care at home and provide some useful tips, caregiving strategies, and signs that professional support may be needed.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a disease in itself, but rather an umbrella term used for describing various conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and daily functions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but some other forms include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
Even though symptoms can differ, dementia is a progressive illness, which implies that people’s care requirements are likely to change over time.
The Stages of Dementia
Dementia affects everyone in different ways, but generally the symptoms are categorized as early, middle and late stage.
- Early Stage: Memory issues, difficulty retrieving words, losing things, forgetting appointments while still remaining independent.
- Middle Stage: Difficulty communicating, more difficulties with personal hygiene and making decisions, requiring more supervision.
- Late Stage: Assistance may be required with movement, eating, hygiene, and communication.
Knowing the stages of dementia can help individuals plan for adequate care.
Dementia Care at Home
Taking care of someone living with dementia is one of the most demanding tasks, which unfortunately turns out to be quite a thankless job as well in many instances. This is because those living with dementia experience several different changes, which can become overwhelming for the care provider.
It becomes much easier to take care of someone living with dementia if there is the right information and resources available for the caregiver.
Routines Are Important
Routines play an essential part in caregiving since they give a feeling of predictability and consistency. They will help ensure everything runs smoothly and prevent exhaustion and burnout.
You should try to make the routine easy and familiar enough so that your loved one can easily keep up.
Ensure that meal times, medications, exercise, activities and bedtimes are done at around the same time every day to minimize confusion and anxiety.
Communication Matters
Communicate positively. Be polite by using friendly facial expressions and gestures when interacting with a person who has dementia.
Speak clearly and directly. Talk in terms that the individual can easily comprehend.
Stick to one question at a time.
Be patient as you listen.
Give the person enough time to answer, do not contradict or correct them unnecessarily, but be reassuring instead.
Keeping Someone with Dementia Safe at Home
Safety at home takes increasing importance as dementia advances.
Options for families include:
- Removing tripping hazards
- Installing grab bars and improving lighting
- Storing medications and cleaning products safely
- Reducing clutter
- Considering door alarms or other options if there is a risk of wandering
A home care assessment can be helpful in making any other safety recommendations.
Managing Difficult Behaviours
Because of the personality changes and stress that come with dementia, your loved one may start behaving differently. The majority of people living with dementia demonstrate troublesome behaviour; they can be aggressive, walk away at various times during the day, and have difficulty sleeping and eating.
It is important for you to realize that all of this is normal.
Abnormal behaviour can often be a form of communication. Before reacting to the behaviour, maybe consider where it may come from. The individual could be experiencing pain, hunger, fatigue, hunger, or have other unmet needs.
If your loved one experiences more confusion or agitation, especially later in the day, consider reading our blog: What Is Sundowning
Looking After Yourself as a Caregiver
Asking for help when you need it does not make you a bad caregiver. Whenever you feel tired, seek assistance from your relatives, friends or organizations within the community.
Never forget that you cannot do everything on your own.
As you consider what your loved one needs, remember to attend to your own needs as well.
Taking breaks, respite care and support groups can be beneficial in alleviating the stress of being a caregiver and can make it easier long term.
How Guardian Home Care Can Help
Guardian Home Care provides compassionate Alzheimer's care and dementia care at home throughout Toronto and the surrounding areas. Our caregivers can assist with:
- Personal care
- Meal preparation
- Medication reminders
- Companionship
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Mobility assistance
- Meaningful daily routines
If you’d like to know more about high quality homecare services, please contact us. A member of our care team would be glad to answer your questions and make personalized recommendations. We look forward to speaking with you soon.