Top Tips to manage dementia: What Works for Me
Managing dementia can feel like a never-ending battle, you try to keep things as normal as possible for your loved one, but the disease has a way of sneaking up on you and your family.
Once your loved one has been diagnosed, you may wonder what steps you can take to help minimize their symptoms and manage the disease as effectively as possible.
Be proactive
One of the best ways to manage dementia is to be proactive, this means preparing for what’s to come, as there is a good chance that it will happen sooner than you think.
It could be as simple as writing up a living will that lays out the type of care your loved one would like if they were no longer able to make decisions on their own.
It could also mean preparing yourself and your family for potential reactions and reactions you might see in your loved one.
Get support
A diagnosis of dementia is a lot to take in, you may not know where to turn for the support you need, or what your next steps should be. It’s important that you ask for help, whether it’s from family members and friends, professionals who specialize in dementia care, or even social media communities.
Remember, there are many people who have walked this path before you and can offer insights on what has worked for them.
Keep your loved one engaged
One of the most important things you can do to help manage your loved one’s dementia is to keep them engaged, make sure they are involved in activities that they enjoy, you want them to be as active and engaged as possible, so try to include them in family outings and events.
If you let your loved one know what the event will be, like an outing or a visit with friends, it might make it easier for them to join in.
Stay connected
One of the first things you should do is stay connected, keep in touch with your loved one by going for a walk, talking on the phone, or visiting them in person. Research shows that people with dementia who maintain a strong social network are less likely to have episodes of psychosis.
Be compassionate
The first step to managing dementia is to be compassionate, your loved one may not always understand what you are saying or doing, but it is important to be patient with them and try your best to maintain your patience.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
One of the most important things you can do for your loved ones is to let them know that you need help, that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. You should always feel comfortable reaching out for help from family members, friends, and even support groups.
You could also speak with a therapist or counselor who specializes in dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, they will be able to provide guidance while also giving your loved one encouragement.
Conclusion
Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and impacts daily functioning, even though it can’t be cured, there are many things you can do to help manage it, here are my top ten tips for managing dementia.
- Be proactive
- Get support
- Keep your loved one engaged
- Stay connected
- Be compassionate
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help
- Think outside the box
- Keep it simple
- Stay positive
- Keep them well-fed
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