The loss of cognitive abilities like thinking, reasoning, and memory is referred to as dementia. Additionally, it may have an impact on how people manage their emotions, which may result in personality changes.
One of the most prevalent diseases affecting Australians is dementia. Over a hundred illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, can cause it.
Dementia can modify a person’s personality by creating behavioural changes, as was previously indicated. Reduced communication skills, anxiety, loss of inhibition, depression, and increased aggression are just a few examples of these changes.
You’re undoubtedly well aware of how difficult it might be if you’re providing care for or residing with someone who has dementia. Despite the fact that it can occasionally get stressful and overwhelming, there are a number of things you can do to make things better. Support services are also available to ensure that your loved one receives the best dementia care possible.
Advice on how to care for a dementia patient
Here are a few things you may do at home to enhance your friend’s or relative’s quality of life if they have dementia.
Verify home safety
By taking care of some difficulties, you can make your home a safer place for your loved ones. For example, make sure your home is always well-lit and move or fix any unstable furniture. Fix or remove anything that can lead to an accident, like a loose carpet or a broken kitchen appliance.
Discuss further health problems
Most frequently, those who have dementia also have additional health concerns such as incontinence, vision impairments, and hearing challenges. Their inability to socialise or leave the house as a result of these problems may have an adverse effect on their mental health and result in anxiety and sadness. By going with them to get treatment for these disorders, you, as a caretaker, can lessen these problems.
Offer assistance for independence at home
The sense of independence and the capacity to complete tasks independently can be very beneficial to the mental health of those who have dementia. You can support this at home by putting up straightforward independence aids like clocks and calendars with large, easy-to-read numbers and characters. Installing handrails near the shower and toilet in the bathroom also encourages independent living.
Advantages of companionship assistance
One of the most crucial things you can do as a caregiver for a family member suffering from dementia is to offer the company. Being with them can have a number of advantages, whether they’re doing their grocery shopping, strolling in the park, or just relaxing with a cup of coffee at home.
One benefit of talking to someone is that it lessens the consequences of loneliness, which can contribute to cognitive deterioration. By enhancing memory and other cognitive processes, social interaction can also slow the progression of dementia. Companionship assistance is also known to lift a person with dementia’s spirits and enhance their quality of life.
Assistive Home Care Disability Services for Those With Dementia
By using the advice in this blog, you may properly care for family members who have dementia on your own, but there may be moments when you feel like you need a helping hand. Fortunately, there are many support services available that can assist you in giving your loved ones the finest care possible, such as those provided by sparrowcareaustralia.com.au.