Caring for Seniors with Dementia: Best Practices

The progression of age leads to several health complications and memory-related problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible so as not to let the situation get out of hand. Seniors and elderly people may not always have the privilege to go to doctors alone due to their deteriorating health conditions. Problems like Dementia can also make it difficult for patients to remember doctor’s appointments, time of visit and even the route.

When caring for a patient with Dementia, many things have to be considered, especially the medical and therapeutic relief they need. This disease is a long term condition that has to be managed with a combination of things advised by a healthcare professional. As the condition deteriorates, the bouts of forgetfulness get more vicious, often making their homestay unsafe. Transferring them to memory care centers where they can get the help they need is a much wiser decision.

Caregivers first need to know about the disease in detail for them to approach each case with a uniqueness only rare to individual patients. Every senior with Dementia has other subsequent health complications, all of which need to be addressed and tackled simultaneously. Nevertheless, here are some essential tips and practices for taking care of seniors with Dementia that may come in handy in their hour of need.

Personalized Care

As mentioned earlier, the process of managing each Dementia case is different from another. Thus, the care plan is designed differently to tackle individual issues more accurately. Personalized care plans include a unique routine for each patient, medications, therapy sessions, dietician-approved meals, physical activity and a few other things. From seniors’ medical to emotional needs, a family member or a caregiver must look at every aspect that makes it easier for the patient.

Stress Relieving Activities

Dementia patients need to remain calm and stress-free, and it is the job of the caregiver to ensure the agenda. Due to their progressive age and health complications along with the symptoms of Dementia, these individuals are bound to often get stressed or irritated, and the caregivers are required to treat them with compassion and kindness. They may also encourage them to participate in physical activities, mindful games and social interaction with others going through the same problems to keep them occupied and in touch with reality.

A Safe Environment

Seniors rarely have the chance or will to express themselves and just open up in a safe environment without the fear of judgment. They must be engaged in a mindful conversation where they get to recall something from the past or talk about ideas and philosophies on life or anything they are interested in. The premises must also be reinforced with security and surveillance to prevent elderly people from accidentally wandering off, falling and hurting themselves, or something else of dire consequence.

Physical Activity & Sleep Regulation

Physical activity and exercise have been proven to be linked with improving the body and the mind. Regular exercising causes the body to produce hormones related to happiness, and in the case of Dementia, following a satisfactory routine and keeping their minds occupied can be really useful for the patient’s mood and mental well-being. In advanced cases of Dementia, a person’s biological clock may be affected, and it has to be actively countered by regulating the sleep pattern and triggering their circadian rhythm to action.

Tasty Nutritious Meals

There is no denying the good regular, healthy food can do to a person’s body and mind. Healthy food provides you with fuel to produce unprecedented energy, and sickly individuals need it even more in a nutritious quantity to give them the strength they need to fight diseases.

Routines & Reminders

As a memory-related disorder, keeping seniors with Dementia under a staple routine can really turn out to be suitable for their condition. This allows them to follow a pattern and stay mindful towards it. Their memory improves when they maintain a routine plan, and caregivers must be there to offer reminders in case they forget parts of the play.

Conclusion

Seniors and elderly people are already vulnerable, and a disorder like Dementia further hampers the health condition of the person. It is the duty of family members and assigned caregivers to look after them as compassionately as possible.