After a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, you may be confused about continue being a family caregiver. You want to keep your loved one as comfortable as possible but you also want to avoid upsetting him or her.
Dementia home care needs careful planning. Experts at Boca Raton Home Care Company share some dos and don’ts so you can determine what works best for your loved one.
Dos
Be Ready and Accept the Changes in Relationship
Normally, family caregivers wish for things to stay the same but dementia affects the personality of a person. You may notice some changes in your relationship with your loved one when being a caregiver. Don’t get exhausted in the process but embrace it by understanding that this new turn in your relationship has benefits too. As a caregiver, you will spend more time with your loved one, which is special enough to cherish.
Take Care of Yourself
Most new caregivers underestimate the physical and emotional challenges of caregiving. Make sure to care for your own health and wellbeing and attend your annual checkups by having a friend or family member to look after your loved one. Staying healthy and fit is very important to offer maximum care to others. To maintain the optimum level of energy you need to manage varying dementia care demands, consider having professional
respite care. Boca Raton families should look for a reputable senior care provider in their community.
Take Relaxing Breaks Throughout the Day
Take small breaks to relieve stress when you cannot take a full day off. Talk to other caregivers in your area or community to know how they feel and de-stress during the day. Ask for helpful tips to manage caregiver burnout. Find little moments of relaxation by making a short phone call to a friend or while for a doctor’s appointment. This will help you prevent feeling exhausted all day.
Don’ts
Engage in Arguments
Aggression, which many caregivers find challenging, is a symptom of dementia. If your loved one claims something to be right that you know is wrong, avoid arguing. He or she may not be able to understand your reasoning and this may also escalate the situation. Instead of arguing your point, redirect the conversation to a new topic, which may interest your loved one.
Hesitate to Address Specific Needs
As dementia progresses, changes in your loved one’s health may need you to make changes to the care plan as well. For example, if your loved one no longer remembers to take medications on time or has bills piled up, don’t hesitate to introduce the need for more extra help around the house. Use a positive and encouraging tone of voice and language to address it.
Managing dementia caregiving tasks can be challenging and even exhausting at times. Consider taking a break from your caregiving duties and allow your loved one to benefit from therapeutic methods of dementia care. Families should look for a professional senior care agency in their area. This a great way to allow seniors to get the help they need while aging in place.
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