Alzheimer’s and dementia care can definitely be difficult. If you are caring for a parent or other senior loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or if you are a senior care professional, it is important to educate yourself as much as you can. Here are some tips for caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia:
• Accept support. It’s important to never be afraid to ask for help and support, whether you are caring for a loved one or working as a senior care professional. Some caregivers find support groups very helpful, as they allow them to vent in a group setting with people who really know and understand what everyone is going through. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is definitely not easy, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
• Actively empathize. When you are caring for someone, it is crucial to start with empathy and compassion. Imagine how you would feel in your loved one’s shoes, if you felt disoriented or confused about your whereabouts.
• Be a realistic caregiver. People with Alzheimer’s and dementia can have good days, but they also have a lot of bad days. Don’t try to force the good days, and be realistic about the course of the disease. Most types of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, are progressive and irreversible.
• Dementia is more than memory loss. While memory loss is a common symptom of dementia, many types of dementia can also manifest as personality changes, depending on the brain areas affected. Your loved one may also experience delusions or hallucinations.
• Plan for the future. Family caregivers should prepare for a time when their loved one might need more professional care, either at home or in a residential setting.
If you are interested in Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Potomac, MD, look no further than Capital City Nurses!
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