Dementia is a condition that is life-changing, not just for the person who has dementia, but also their friends and family. It is not something you can prepare for before it happens, but if it ever does, it can be really helpful to know a few things that can make caring for a person with dementia, a little bit easier.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a range of disorders that affects a person’s brain function. It can affect everybody differently. Still, there are often problems with memory loss, the ability to carry out everyday tasks, mood, understanding, language, mental sharpness, and quickness, along with many other things. As their dementia progresses, their symptoms will become more apparent. Many can struggle to control their emotions, and parts of their personality can begin to change. As their condition deteriorates, it can become difficult for them to manage on their own, so they will start to need help from friends and family.
Just because someone has dementia, doesn’t mean they can’t have a good life
There are some drugs available that can help stop the symptoms of some types of dementia progressing for some time. This is why you should go to the doctor as soon as you think there is a problem. Although there is still no cure, if the drugs work, people with dementia can continue to live a life that they love doing things that they have always enjoyed.
What Can You Do To Help?
Even if you feel like you can’t do a lot, there are plenty of things you can do to help your loved ones if they get diagnosed with dementia.
You can label things around their house to help them stay independent for longer. Labels on cupboard doors can indicate what is in them, and labels on photos can help them to recall people. You can even put notes and reminders around the house so that they know to lock the door and turn off the gas. Even though these actions may not seem like a lot, they can help someone with dementia to continue living an independent life.
It is also important to be patient and understanding with the person. Give them confidence about what they can do and support them. It can be a difficult diagnosis to deal with, so a content listener that will listen to their worries and stress will be very helpful.
When Is It Time To Consider More Help For Your Loved One?
Deciding to get more help for your loved one may be a difficult decision, but it is one you may have to make at some point. Sometimes the person with dementia may not be able to decide to get more help, so you may have to do it for them. When it gets to the point where the person with dementia needs full-time care, or it is getting difficult for them to live at home, it may be time to think about moving them to a care home for dementia.
Any decision you make, especially if it is on behalf of a loved one can be difficult. There are many people that you can speak to to get advice on what is the best thing you can do and if there is anything else you can try first.
*collaborative post
