A dementia diagnosis can be difficult for the whole family, but it can be especially difficult for the primary caregiver if it’s his or her first time caring for a senior with dementia. Below are some tips to assist the first-time dementia caregiver.
Talk about It
People who are newly diagnosed with dementia typically have many moments of mental clarity. In your senior loved one’s lucid moments, talk together about dementia and his or her fears or concerns relating to the disease.
Educate Yourself
There’s a wealth of knowledge about dementia available at the local library as well as online. Read as much as you can about the topic to better prepare yourself for the progression of your loved one’s dementia.
A professional home caregiver can be a wonderful source of information and support as you learn more about your loved one’s condition. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of homecare services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Ask for Help
No one expects you to do this alone. Know your limitations, and ask for help when you need it. Keep your family and friends informed so they can assist you. If you don’t have family and friends available, you can hire a professional dementia caregiver to assist your loved one in your absence or when you need a period of respite to care for yourself.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Families looking for top-rated Home Care San Diego can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Dementia-Proof Your Home
Some seniors with dementia wander outside the home. They forget they’re no longer able to leave without supervision or take the car to the store. You can purchase door alarms to alert you when your loved one leaves the home and/or invest in a bracelet, necklace, or even shoe soles with GPS tracking to keep tabs on your loved one’s whereabouts. Additionally, you may need to hide the car keys and arrange for your loved one’s driver’s license to be revoked. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own, talk to your loved one’s physician about it or contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles for assistance.
Think Outside the Box
Seniors with dementia may fixate on strange things. For example, your loved one may believe his or her toe is dirty when it’s really bruised. As a result, your loved one may ask you repeatedly to clean his or her toe. If you cover the bruise with a flesh-colored Band-Aid, your loved one may believe the toe has been cleaned and move on.
Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. San Diego families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care at 858-848-7224 today.
