When a parent is diagnosed with dementia, it is natural to want a plan in place to assist them with their care needs. Regardless of what you have going on in your personal life, for instance, your own children or a busy work schedule, the responsibility will still fall on your shoulders to a certain extent. These five ways to take care of a parent with dementia will help you determine a path for the future.
Learning About Dementia
The main point to process about dementia is that it is a condition with no known cure. The disease progresses and gets worse as the days, weeks, months and years tick by, and this is an incredibly difficult thing to deal with for any loved one looking in. If you are going to be involved with care needs, you need to understand what that means. There will be more demands to navigate each time the condition advances, and this can take its toll. Learn as much as you can about what’s to come and this will be empowering.
Finding a Senior Living Facility That Meets Their Needs
At some point, there will come a day when your parent needs constant supervision and consistent interventions. Their disorientation episodes will become a frequent occurrence, and they will stop being able to look after themselves. This is when finding a memory care community in Sun City West becomes the best option for them and you. An establishment that understands cognitive conditions and tailors its care plans to that agenda is essential for ensuring they get what they need at all times.
Stay Connected
People with dementia are vulnerable to loneliness and mood swings. While it will often feel emotionally taxing to show up and be involved, this action alone will do wonders for their self-esteem and sense of worth. There will be a feeling of familiarity and innate comfort that comes just from being around you, even if they are not quite sure how to communicate it. The little moments of lucidity will shine through as the things you remember the most.
Be Actively Involved in Appointments
Someone with dementia needs a strong advocate on their team to represent their best interests and stay on top of appointments. Dementia tends to exacerbate and bring other symptoms like dysphagia, mobility issues, general pain, and a host of mental health concerns as well. Regular appointments will be necessary to ensure their medication is up to date and completely relevant, and these could be a distressing experience if they are left to do it alone or with an unfamiliar face. If you are able to be involved, stay present for important times like this so their care plan is the best it can be.
Think About Comfort
Your parent will have lots of days ahead where they feel out of place and out of control. You can help with this in small ways, like ensuring they are surrounded by comfort items that they loved pre-diagnosis, such as pictures, trinkets, and connections to their life before.
Taking care of a parent with dementia is never going to be easy, but every challenge can be overcome with the right level of resilience and a strong mindset.
