It’s always difficult to discover a parent has dementia, but it’s important to take a deep breath and keep an open mind about what a person with dementia can do. Many older adults with this condition can live at home for years, and providing your aging parent with the right type of care can help him or her stay independent. 

1. Establish a Schedule

Routines make it easier for seniors with dementia to remember important things they must do regularly. For instance, having meals at the same time each day helps your loved one remember to eat. A schedule also makes it easier to know when to have family and friends drop by to visit. Create a schedule and post it in a central location so everyone can be on the same page regarding your loved one’s daily habits. 

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 service providers 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.

2. Add Home Automation Systems

A senior with dementia may forget important things, such as locking the door at night. Dementia symptoms may also make it difficult for seniors to find their way down hallways or up stairs once the condition affects their depth perception. A home automation system can be set up to do things such as turn on the lights at a certain time and lock the front door. Having fewer things to think about allows your parent to focus his or her attention on other parts of the daily routine. 

3. Create a Safety Plan

Safety is a priority, and seniors with dementia are more likely to experience serious falls or fires in their homes. Add safety features, such as automatic shutoff switches, to major appliances. You can also create a safety plan that includes noting when your parent takes medications in case he or she experiences negative side effects. 

4. Schedule Regular Caregiver Visits

Seniors need to have people who check on them regularly. If you’re not able to do so, have a professional caregiver drop by your loved one’s home. You can arrange for a caregiver to stop in every day or just a few times a week. In-person visits are best, since this gives you or the caregiver a chance to see how your loved one looks. For instance, a significant amount of weight loss could mean your parent isn’t eating properly and needs further assistance. 

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 in-home care San Diego, CA, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

5. Promote Social Activities

Try not to get so wrapped up in worrying about your loved one’s physical needs that you overlook the social and emotional aspects of his or her life. Your loved one should receive regular social stimulation if he or she lives alone. Ask a neighbor to drop in with a snack or arrange for a caregiver to accompany your parent out on the town. 

6. Increase the Level of Care when Necessary

Your loved one’s needs are always changing, and there may come a time when you need to arrange for higher levels of care. For example, a senior with severe memory loss shouldn’t be allowed to wander away from home, since he or she could get lost. At this point, overnight care is an option your loved one may need to stay safe at home. 

Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care San Diego families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. If you need professional care for your senior loved one, Assisting Hands Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 858-667-0813.