Receiving a dementia diagnosis is a life-altering event. An incurable condition, dementia progresses steadily, gradually robbing seniors of their cognitive functions and ability to live independently. It’s important for affected individuals to prioritize safety and make preparations for future care.
Dementia is an umbrella term for memory loss, reduced reasoning abilities, and impaired judgement. Symptoms may also include changes to personality and behavior. When symptoms become severe, dementia patients begin to rely heavily on others to complete the activities of daily living.
Alzheimer’s disease is one of many forms of dementia. Older adults may be diagnosed with other forms that impair cognition, such as vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia. Frontotemporal disorder is another condition that affects an aging adult’s cognitive processes.
As soon as a senior is diagnosed with dementia or other cognitive impairment, it is vital to devise care plans for the future, which may include professional memory care from home care agencies. The home must also be modified to promote the senior’s safety and help them better cope.
What are home safety tips for early-stage dementia patients?
At first, older adults living with early-stage dementia can handle some basic tasks independently. But it’s important to anticipate the future: the course of their disease will make daily responsibilities more difficult. Adopting helpful strategies early on gives them time to adjust.
Safety Tip 1: Remove Clutter
Fall risks are higher among the elderly population. Seniors in the early stages of dementia should remove extraneous cords and cables from walkways to prevent trips and falls. A fall can cause an injury that is severe enough to hinder their ability to live alone.
Safety Tip 2: Prevent Fires
Memory problems beginning in early-stage dementia can make cooking a hazard. Prevent fires by installing appliances with automatic shut-off valves. This feature is especially useful on the stove. Use cooking devices, like a slow cooker or a rice cooker, with automatic shut-off.
Safety Tip 3: Reduce Fall Risks in Bathrooms
The bathroom can be a frightening place for seniors with dementia. Slippery floors and hot water appear perilous. Avert accidents by adding nonskid mats to showers and installing grab bars on the walls near the tub and toilet. Set the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid burns.
Safety Tip 4: Check Alarms
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near the kitchen and all the bedrooms. Test these life-saving alarms on a monthly basis by pressing the test button. Set reminders to check the batteries every six months and replace the detectors every 10 years.
Safety Tip 5: Label Cabinets
Seniors who label drawers and cupboards throughout the home will know where household items are located, even as their memory functions decline. Create labels for the locations of fire extinguishers, flashlights, and other safety items so they can be found quickly in an emergency.
Safety Tip 6: Obtain an Emergency Alert System
Obtain safety devices that alert others in case of an emergency. Consider fall monitors, call buttons, and GPS tracking systems. Seniors might opt for an alert system that notifies family and doctors when they become ill, fall, or get lost. Early-stage dementia patients should make a habit of carrying ID.
How do seniors with early-stage dementia prepare for the future?
Hold conversations with family and friends so that decisions about care can be made together. Discuss health, including end-of-life decisions, and finances, like a living will and durable power of attorney. Provide trusted individuals with copies of legal and financial documents.
Seniors in the workforce might share their diagnosis with their employer who may be able to provide accommodations, like a change in hours or receiving reminders, in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Disability income through previously purchased private disability insurance is an option.
A strong social network is highly beneficial for a senior in the early stages of dementia and beyond. Store the phone numbers and addresses of friends and family who can serve as emergency contacts. Stay connected with them through social media, video calls, phone calls, and email.
Join an online or in-person support group for people living with dementia, such as one run by the Alzheimer’s Association. Seniors can also call the AA 24-hour helpline for support. Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers may offer local programs and events for dementia patients and their caregivers.
Neighbors, friends, and family may be able to offer support with the activities of daily living, such as meal preparation and transportation. Seniors who need more help should consider professional services, such as in-home care. As dementia progresses, the amount of care services can be increased.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care from Assisting Hands Home Care
Planning for the future means recognizing that care needs will change as the symptoms of dementia become more severe. One of the best choices a senior with dementia can make for their future is opting for compassionate memory care from Assisting Hands Home Care.
Our dementia care revolves around the fact that dementia affects seniors in different ways; no two individuals experience it the same way. As a result, we customize each care plan to meet the care needs of the seniors we serve. Furthermore, care plans are flexible to accommodate changing care needs.
Our dedicated caregivers offer a range of non-medical care, like discreetly helping with personal hygiene tasks, preparing nutritious meals, shopping for fresh groceries, giving timely medication reminders, and providing reliable transportation within the local community so that the elderly stay socially engaged.
Home care is ideal for a person living with any stage of dementia because it allows them to remain in the familiarity of the home environment. Transitioning to a memory care facility can be disorienting for a dementia patient. Plus, most elderly adults prefer to age in place.
When you’ve received a dementia diagnosis, choose Assisting Hands Home Care for exceptional dementia care delivered in the comfort of home. We are privileged to serve the elderly in Winter Garden, Florida. Schedule your free in-home consultation and learn more about senior care.
