Mental decline eventually comes for many of us. The signs of decline could be as simple as memory loss, or not being as mentally sharp as once we were. Or it could be something more serious, like dementia, and require significant senior care. Thousand Oaks, CA families should know what to look for and how to provide excellent help for seniors with dementia.
And when the task of caring for an afflicted loved one becomes too great, there is excellent dementia senior care in Thousand Oaks, CA provided by the trained, licensed, bonded CAREGivers of Home Instead. Whether this means 24-hour caregivers for seniors with dementia or just a senior companion, Home Instead can provide what you need.
When you’re dealing with dementia, here are some things to think about.
First, the symptoms of dementia can be unpredictable. The person's personality will change in some ways, though not completely. They can become forgetful, sometimes even forgetting important things like people’s names, and who is whom in their life. They can forget conversations they had just a few moments ago. This can prompt them to ask questions over and over again, which can be frustrating. They can have extreme mood swings. Communication can become difficult and frustrating.
Through it, all patience is vital, because they can’t help themselves, and your frustration can make them agitated.
People with dementia can become a danger to themselves and others, though they do not mean to be. They may wander off on their own and not know how to come home. This can become a lot for families to handle, which is why Home Instead is prepared to help. A search for “dementia care services near me” will help you find Home Instead’s services.
Here are some ways to improve communication with a person suffering from dementia.
First, you should arrange a positive atmosphere for communication. Be mindful of your own body language. Much of the message you send comes from your body language before you open your mouth. Remain calm and respectful, and use pleasant facial expressions like smiles to keep the person at their ease.
Second, make sure nothing in the area will distract their attention. Turn off the television or any music that might be playing. Close the curtains, or go into a room where things are more straightforward. Do what you can to aid them in focusing on you.
Third, speak clearly, slowly, and with simple words. One help for a senior with dementia is just taking your time when speaking or doing anything with them. They can easily become confused, and that can lead to agitation.
Fourth, make sure your interactions and your movements convey comfort, care, reassurance, and affection. And if a project is involved, break it down into small parts, so they might have a chance to have multiple successes along the way.
Fifth, if things begin to go south and your loved one afflicted with dementia becomes agitated or upset, try to redirect the conversation. Change the subject. Try to change what they’re thinking about, to change the patterns of behavior. One possible technique for this is remembering things from their good old days. Sometimes seniors struggling with memory issues remember every detail from 45 years ago, even if they cannot remember what they did 45 minutes ago.
And lastly, if you are caring for an elderly loved one with dementia in Thousand Oaks, CA and it all becomes too much for you to handle on your own, trust the trained, licensed, bonded, insured — and compassionate — CAREGivers of Home Instead. We are ready to review your needs and share the care with you.
Call us today at (805) 429-9789
