Your mother’s doctor said her physical health is great. But, she has dementia and will need to have special care for the rest of her life.
The prevalence of dementia is on the rise in the United States. CDC studies project that the number of Americans with dementia will double by the year 2060!
But how can you adapt to your new role as a caregiver? What do you do to help make your mom’s life as easy as possible?
We put together a brief (but complete) guide to caring for dementia patients. If you know and love someone who has dementia, keep reading to learn everything you need to know!
Make a Safety Support Net
One of the first things you need to do when adjusting to your new role as a caregiver is to set up a safety net. Even after you get the hang of caring for someone with dementia, you’ll need time off on occasion! Find a few people that you can call in case you need an extra hand, if you get overwhelmed, or even if you want to go out and enjoy some personal time.
You can also join dementia caregiver support groups that give you great resources to use on this journey. If the group scene isn’t your thing, consider seeing a therapist or family counselor.
Once you have your support team set up, don’t shy away from calling them when you need help. Having a safety net won’t help if you never use it!
The Importance of Routine with Dementia Patients
Having a general routine helps both you and your loved one. For you, the routine makes it easier to remember all the things you need to do when caring for someone with dementia. For your loved one, a routine helps them keep their memories a bit longer and could slow the progression of the disease.
As long as they’re able, try to include your loved one in daily activities like mealtimes. Some patients with dementia can help prepare their own meals or at least help you pick what to prepare.
Another great thing to include in your routine is to spend some time outdoors at least a couple of times a week (weather permitting). Or join a dementia group where you can get out of the house and enjoy the company of others affected by dementia.
Make Time for Self-Care
Over the next few years, you’re going to spend the majority of your time caring for your loved one as dementia progresses. One of the most important things to do is to set aside some time to care for yourself. Self-care keeps you from feeling burnt out, depressed, or like you’re stuck in a rut.
Keep these tips in mind as you start to navigate the long winding road of dementia. Everyone’s journey is different, so be patient with yourself if there are any bumps in the road.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you learned a few things about caring for dementia patients. For more great articles about health, lifestyles, technology, and more, check out the rest of our blog today!
