Statistics show that 90% of people aged 65 and older want to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible. Respecting the wishes of an aging relative can be difficult if he or she suffers from dementia, but having access to reliable home health care service providers can be beneficial when caring for dementia patients.
Here are three strategies that you should discuss with your home health care service providers to help make life more enjoyable for your dementia-stricken loved ones.
1. Create a daily routine.
As your aging loved one's dementia progresses, the importance of adhering to a strict daily routine will increase. Since those who suffer from dementia can often feel confused or feel that they lack control over their lives, establishing a routine helps provide a sense of familiarity.
This familiarity can help a dementia patient focus, and help commit the routine to long-term memory. Be sure that you take the time to work your home health care providers to establish a routine that is consistent and incorporates activities that your loved one enjoys.
2. Make home safety a priority.
Those who suffer with dementia can often injure themselves in a home environment. You should meet regularly with your home health providers to ensure that home safety is a priority.
Taking the time to ensure that everyone who cares for your loved one is taking basic precautions like placing medications in a locked drawer, keeping floors free of throw rugs or other tripping hazards, and testing warning alarms (like carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms) on a regular basis ensures that your loved one will be able to remain safely within his or her home.
3. Respond to frustrations appropriately.
Dementia patients can become frustrated easily. In order to prevent a situation from escalating, it's essential that you take the time to work out some strategies for appropriately responding to your loved one's frustrations with your home health care providers.
Be sure that home health care workers listen to your loved one's frustrations, provide reassurance, and look for outlets that might allow the frustrations to be channeled in a healthy way. When a consistent strategy for handling frustrations is in place, your loved one will be able to get the type of care that he or she needs to remain safely at home.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be difficult. Working closely with your home health care providers to ensure that positive strategies for dealing with your loved one are in place will allow your loved one to remain in his or her home in the future. For more information, talk to a home health care service.
Share7 December 2015
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