Dementia presents daily challenges for patients and their caregivers as those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia require constant care. Dementia patients not only experience memory challenges, but these conditions can also impact their behavior and cause them to put themselves in dangerous situations. Below is a very helpful resource outlining assistive tools that are available to help manage memory, behavior, and safety for dementia patients.

Dementia patients in your care and their families will appreciate knowing what devices are available to help them on their dementia journey. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we are proud to inform you about these supportive devices that can help make life a little easier for dementia patients as well as their caregivers and families. Many of these items are available on Amazon and in many cases can be delivered the next day. Supportive devices, along with quality dementia care, improve quality of life!

To learn more about our dementia home care services and how they can benefit your loved ones, call us today at (630) 634-9316.

Supportive Tools for Dementia Patients

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are degenerative conditions that affect memory and general cognitive function. As these conditions progress, the symptoms worsen as memory and other cognitive abilities continue to decline and behaviors are affected as the dementia patient confronts their increasing limitations.

Dementia patients require constant care to ensure their safety and well-being, and it is best for them to receive care in a familiar environment such as their home. The following supportive devices can help caregivers and loved ones manage memory and behavioral issues caused by dementia and ensure the safety of those affected. Integrating these devices into quality home care also helps preserve their independence.

Memory Aids

The most well-known symptom of dementia is memory loss as all forms of dementia affect both short-term and long-term memory. Those affected may have trouble remembering what day it is or where they are, which can cause confusion. The following devices can help aid memory for dementia patients and keep them oriented to avoid confusion.

• Digital clocks displaying day, date, and time: The passage of time may be a difficult concept to grasp for dementia patients and they may become confused when trying to determine the current date and time. Digital clocks with large displays that include the time, date, and day of the week can help ground dementia patients and reduce confusion.
• Medication dispensers: It is important for dementia patients to take the proper dosage of their medications at the right time. However, memory issues increase the risk of forgetting to take their medication or overmedication. Automatic medication dispensers provide alerts and automatically dispense the proper dosage of their medications at the right time to prevent missed doses. A caregiver or loved one should still be present to ensure they take their medication.
• Memory journals: Providing a dementia patient with a memory journal to write down important information and reminders and record daily events can help reduce confusion.

Behavioral Management Tools

Behavior issues among dementia patients are quite common as confusion from memory loss and awareness of their increasing limitations can cause mood swings and outbursts of agitation. Managing behaviors to ensure comfort and reduce agitation and anxiety is an important part of memory care. The following tools can stabilize moods for those with dementia.

• Calming music playlists: Creating a music playlist that includes the dementia patient’s favorite songs, as well as calming music, can help reduce anxiety and agitation. Including songs from their youth can also conjure old memories which can put them in a calmer mood. You can create a playlist using any device and music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Be sure to ask them about their favorite artists and songs when creating a playlist.
• Weighted blankets: Weighted blankets apply gentle, even pressure, creating a feeling similar to being hugged or held. This deep pressure stimulation (DPS) triggers the release of serotonin and oxytocin, which are calming neurotransmitters that can lower heart rate and promote relaxation. These blankets can reduce anxiety in dementia patients while providing comfort.
• Fidget blankets and activity aprons: Fidget blankets and activity aprons include sensory items like zippers, buttons, and fabric swatches that can occupy busy hands. Giving dementia patient sensory items to fidget with can stabilize their mood and help keep them calm.

Safety and Daily Living Tools

Personal safety is a major concern when it comes to caring for dementia patients. Many seemingly mundane daily activities become more dangerous as the condition progresses, including cooking, driving, using utensils, and even walking as dementia patients are prone to wandering and falls. The following safety and daily living tools are designed to promote the safety of dementia patients in their homes.

• GPS-enabled tracking devices: Wandering is a common behavior of dementia patients as they may wander out of confusion or to find a particular person or place without a clear idea of where they are going. This can become dangerous if they wander away from caregivers or manage to leave their home. Wearable GPS-enabled tracking devices can help caregivers quickly locate dementia patients who are wandering to prevent them from getting lost and ensure their safety.
• Motion-sensor lighting: Another reason wandering is dangerous for dementia patients is that they may be prone to falling. The risk of falling increases if they wander into a dark area of the home. Installing motion-sensor lighting will ensure that the room lights up as soon as the dementia patient walks into the room. Lighting their path will help them better see and avoid obstacles that could cause them to fall. This lighting is ideal for dementia patients who frequently get up in the middle of the night.
• Easy-grip utensils: As dementia progresses, those affected may experience a decline in motor skills which can make it difficult or dangerous to handle eating utensils. Easy-grip utensils are easier for dementia patients to use which allows them to maintain independence while eating.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Home Care from Assisting Hands

Caring for dementia patients requires a combination of compassion, vigilance, and the right tools to address the unique challenges they face. From memory aids and behavioral management devices to safety enhancements, these supportive tools can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. By integrating these resources into daily care, caregivers can help ensure dementia patients remain safe, comfortable, and as independent as possible.

The best way to ensure that your loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia get the best possible care in their homes is to work with our home caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care. Dementia patients benefit greatly from receiving care in the familiar environment of their home. Our caregivers at Assisting Hands have the skills and experience to provide non-medical Alzheimer’s and dementia home care and ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by dementia while helping them maintain their independence.

You can expect the following from our dementia caregivers:

• Manage behaviors: Our compassionate caregivers show patience to your loved ones, which helps reduce anxiety and agitation and promote emotional well-being.
• Help with activities of daily living (ADLs): We help dementia patients with ADLs that may be too difficult or overwhelming for them to do on their own, including eating, dressing, bathing, transferring, and toileting.
• Ensure safety: We can help prevent wandering and take steps to reduce the risk of falls to ensure the safety of your loved ones in their home.

Get in touch with the home care professionals of Assisting Hands Home Care if you have a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in Naperville, IL or the surrounding areas in DuPage County.