Older adults diagnosed with dementia may experience difficulty maintaining their home. Neglecting upkeep can prevent those with dementia from successfully aging in place. Caregivers who learn how dementia affects home maintenance are advised to step in and provide the necessary support.

Independence is highly valued in the aging population. In fact, most seniors aim to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. The majority of older Americans achieve this goal, with about 80 percent of the elderly living independently in their own homes.

However, older adults are likely to face age-related challenges, from physical frailty to chronic illnesses and cognitive decline. As a result of their difficulties, carrying out daily activities that are necessary to properly maintain the home environment may lead to frustration.

Home maintenance is critical to ensure the senior’s environment is safe and comfortable. If the aging person is unable to meet the demands of their environment, their goal of living independently is challenged. Hindrances to independence include health issues, like dementia.

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect a person’s thinking. People with dementia develop issues with memory, problem-solving, and other thinking skills. These issues are severe enough to interfere with daily life, such as maintaining the home environment.

Thinking skills decline when an older adult develops dementia. The condition also affects behavior, feelings, and interpersonal interactions. The dementia patient may have trouble paying bills, which can lead to the utilities being turned off. Or, they forget how to plan and prepare meals.

How does dementia affect a senior’s ability to maintain the home?

Similarly, an older person with dementia may forget how to perform common household tasks. For instance, predictable and routine home maintenance chores include changing furnace filters, replacing light bulbs, doing laundry, and vacuuming or sweeping the carpets and floors, respectively.

But unpredictable situations may arise, too, demanding quick thinking from the aging homeowner. A sudden thunderstorm can tear shingles off the roof, leading to water dripping from the ceiling. Repairing such damage requires prompt action on the part of the elderly individual.

An aging adult with dementia who experiences memory issues may fail to act quickly and appropriately in instances of unpredictable home maintenance problems. Their failure to respond is likely to threaten their ability to remain independent in their own homes.

Even predictable, routine household chores may fall to the wayside due to dementia. The older person may forget how to use the washing machine, allowing dirty laundry to pile up. Or they may no longer remember how to cook, which can lead to malnutrition and unintended weight loss.

One of the telltale signs of early dementia is a neglect of home maintenance tasks. The senior may no longer clean the home and even fail to perform self-care tasks, like personal hygiene. Sometimes clutter builds up in the home, causing dangerous fall hazards and hoarding.

How do caregivers support seniors with dementia?

Families and other loved ones who recognize that the senior neglects household maintenance can step in to offer support. Caregivers are urged to provide support without judgement. Instead, respond with patience and understanding, as dementia symptoms are not in the senior’s control.

Help the senior clean, making the task of tidying up a shared activity. Family members might offer to do the laundry once per week while the aging loved one folds the dry clothes. Or, hire a professional caregiver to perform light household chores.

Assist with keeping the home organized and clutter-free. An environment free of clutter is safe for the senior, as fall hazards are eliminated. Remove excess furniture and other items from the older adult’s home to make cleaning easier for them.

Utilize technology to help the senior clean more efficiently. For example, robotic vacuums clean the floors and carpets with minimal, if any, effort from the senior. The older adult may find it easier to push lightweight vacuums and use long-handled tools to reach corners and tight spaces.

Dementia patients respond better to simplified instructions. Families and caregivers can break down cleaning tasks into manageable steps, allowing the senior to follow. Also create a daily or weekly cleaning schedule, such as on a large-print calendar, that lists these small steps.

Consider community resources to help the senior stay organized and declutter. Volunteers may be available to assist the senior with home maintenance, like lawn care or taking out the trash. Professional organizers are also ideal for creating an organized, clutter-free environment.

Dementia Care from Assisting Hands

As mentioned, hire a professional dementia caregiver who not only assists with daily tasks but helps keep the elderly care recipient safe, comfortable, and healthy at home. Families find quality memory caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, a reputable elder care agency serving area seniors.

Our memory care providers are compassionate professionals who are trained in delivering reliable, non-medical care to seniors with dementia. We stimulate their minds with fun games and puzzles, friendly conversations, craft projects, and outings to nearby areas, like parks and senior centers.

In addition to keeping the elderly engaged, caregivers provide a host of care services. We perform light housekeeping and remove fall hazards, like clutter. Mobility support is provided to give the aging care recipient a boost of confidence as they navigate the halls or outdoor walkways.

Caregivers respectfully help with hygiene tasks, like bathing, incontinence, and grooming. We prepare healthy meals and shop for groceries. Medication reminders are included. Your loved one receives safe transportation and escort to the medical clinic and pharmacy, among other nearby destinations.

We’re also pleasant companions who keep seniors with dementia socially engaged. Our caregivers are licensed, bonded, and insured to give families and their aging loved ones peace of mind. Home care allows seniors the opportunity to age in place and remain in their beloved communities.

When the senior in your life is diagnosed with dementia and struggles with home maintenance, choose Assisting Hands Home Care for invaluable hands-on support. We are privileged to serve seniors in Boynton Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL and the surrounding areas. Call us at (561) 566-5989  to schedule a free in-home consult today.