Though caring for an aging loved one with dementia can be challenging, it’s important for family caregivers to make sure they keep things in perspective. Rather than placing blame on your loved one for the behaviors he or she displays, use these tips to maintain a level head about the condition and your approach to addressing his or her care.
Focus on Who Your Loved One Used to Be
Many caregivers become upset because dementia seems to strip away who their loved ones used to be. Because of these changes, family members often feel unappreciated by the loved ones they spend hours helping every day. Meditating, going through old pictures, and watching old videos might help you remember what your loved one used to be like. If your loved one appreciated you before, he or she most likely appreciates what you’re doing for him or her now.
Remember You Aren’t Alone
Some caregivers feel as if they’re facing a unique situation unlike anything else in the world. When these thoughts creep into your head, the next logical step may be to blame your loved one. Joining a support group or regularly meeting with other family caregivers is a great way to remind yourself you’re not alone and that others live with these emotions as well.
Even when families have the best intentions, providing care for an older adult with dementia can be difficult. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of a loved one can be stressful. People who don’t take care of themselves run the risk of blaming their loved one for all the small things that are going wrong, which is why it’s so important to look after your own health and happiness as much as possible. Spending just a few minutes a day doing something you enjoy could have an enormous impact on your emotional health. If you need time away from your caregiving duties, consider hiring a respite caregiver.
Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Lincoln families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
Continue Researching the Condition
Families who know more about dementia and its symptoms will be better prepared for anything that comes their way. Completely bypassing confrontation by anticipating your loved one’s needs could keep you from blaming him or her later. In addition to speaking with medical specialists, you can also find useful information on dementia in online journals and forums.
Track Your Loved One’s Behavior
Dementia is a complicated disorder, and no two seniors display the same exact symptoms. After you’ve spent some time going over the research, track your loved one’s behavior so you can continue to prevent arguments and heated exchanges. Creating a caregiver journal with information such as when your loved one experiences mood swings and how you handle them could alleviate much of the stress you’re experiencing.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Lincoln Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Reach out to us at Home Care Assistance if you need compassionate, professional care for your loved one. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services