You may have a parent or grandparent that lives with dementia or is at risk of developing a form of dementia. Whatever the reason, it is best to stay prepared to tackle the issue before it affects multiple lives.
Dementia cases have seen a spike over the years, driving up national numbers. Approximately 76,000 new cases of dementia are diagnosed in Canada every year. As a growing problem affecting many people over 65, it is vital to stay prepared to help your family. Here are some steps you can take to assist your aging loved one if they have dementia.
Look into Memory Care Homes
Even if your loved one is in the early stage, it can still be beneficial to look into dementia care homes in Toronto beforehand. When your family member needs to move, access to a retirement residence will allow them to age peacefully.
A dementia care home with trained nurses will provide specialized care to your loved one. Although it may not feel ideal for moving your family member to a care home, it can be highly beneficial for their mental and physical health. Consistent care in a home-like environment will enable them to feel comfortable, and the special care might enhance their cognitive abilities.
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Offer Support During Diagnosis
When your loved one goes through the bumpy road of dementia diagnosis, they will need your support. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is not a one-step task. The doctor will have to put your family member through a multi-step process, which may include cognitive, neurological, and lab tests, along with psychiatric evaluation.
The process of diagnosis before determining if the person has dementia can be exhausting. You can provide support by driving your loved ones to their appointments, doing some research to help them understand their symptoms, or simply consoling them throughout the way. Any form of support will help them ease their way into the process.
Dementia-Proof Your Home
Many tasks in everyday life can be challenging for a person with dementia. When dementia progresses, the senior will find it difficult to think and process simple tasks, increasing frustration and stress. But, if you take charge and make their home life more straightforward, they can adapt more quickly. Creating a dementia-friendly environment will help them feel safer and also provide you with peace of mind.
Create a home safety checklist including to make the space suitable for your family member living with dementia. The list could consist of displays of emergency numbers, smoke alarms, secure locks, adequate lighting, safety rails on stairways, and many more.
Take Your Time with Them
Your loved one already has a lot on their plate if they are living with dementia. Make their life simpler by being patient with them. Sometimes you may forget that your loved one has dementia, and their activities might cause frustration in your life. However, it is crucial to remember they are not doing it on purpose. If you don’t give them some time to cope, dealing with the process can be even more challenging.
As dementia cases continue to rise, you never know when your family member might get included in those statistics. Educate yourself about appropriate actions and help yourself as you protect your loved ones.
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