5 Things Caregivers Should Know About Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
According to experts, at least one out of every five people will get dementia at some point in their lives. Dementia was once thought to be a natural aspect of becoming older, and little was known about the illnesses that cause dementia in otherwise healthy people. However, they now have a better understanding of the condition, which can be incredibly helpful to family caregivers. The following are five important pieces of dementia information.
Dementia Is Not a Disease
You’ll have a better grasp of how to care for your senior loved one once you realize that dementia is simply a symptom of an illness, not the disease itself. Memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and the inability to rationally think or absorb information are all symptoms of dementia. As a caregiver, you’ll need to adjust your home and daily activities to accommodate these new symptoms.
It’s difficult to care for an elderly person who has dementia. Thrive USA Homecare should be your first pick if you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and need expert in-home care in Maryland or DC. Our kind and compassionate caregivers are dedicated to assisting seniors in managing their health and enhancing their quality of life throughout their golden years.
Put a Plan in Action
When it comes to caring for someone with dementia, communication is crucial. You must recognize that your loved one has lost his or her ability to reason, and you must have a strategy in place to assist you to deal with the behavioral difficulties that may arise. When your loved one forgets an important date or says something completely out of character, remain calm.
Dementia Gets Worse over Time
You should be aware that dementia is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms will worsen over time. While research on ways to prolong and relieve symptoms is ongoing, there is no quick remedy. You must be able to keep a careful eye on your loved one in order to recognize when expert help is necessary.
Utilize Support Groups
One of the most crucial things to remember is that you are not alone. The majority of support groups offer both emotional and physical assistance. They can assist you in making continuing decisions as your loved one’s memory and physical abilities deteriorate, as well as providing you with a forum to express your thoughts, get advice, and learn new caring strategies.
A professional caregiver can also educate you on how to care for your loved one more effectively. Reach out to Thrive USA Homecare, a top Maryland provider of at-home care that families can trust, if your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and need assistance with activities such as food preparation, transportation, bathing, and grooming. We also provide complete care for elders suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease.
Recognize Signs of Caregiver Stress
Before you succumb to the everyday difficulties of caring for someone with dementia, take some time for yourself. If you get too fatigued and emotionally upset, you should hire someone to help you with the caregiving duties and allow you a few hours to refuel and recharge.
If you need dementia care in Maryland or DC, Thrive USA Homecare can help. We provide high-quality at-home care for seniors dealing with cognitive decline. Call (301) 882-4717 today to talk with a certified Personal Care Coach about our excellent dementia home care.