Having a loved one diagnosed with any form of dementia could cause alarm bells to start ringing and panic settling in. This is a cognitive and mental disease that progresses with time and requires the right set of skills and knowledge for looking after the dementia patient. As research shows, having a patient with dementia live in their home with care provided for them is one of the better ways for handling and managing the challenges that come with the disease. So, if you find this resonating with you and you’re wondering how to care for a dementia patient at home, choosing to have someone help your loved one can be the best decision you make for them. Here’s why.
What dementia home care services can offer
When you opt for dementia care at home in the UK, you can rest assured that your loved ones will be in good hands. This is because the individuals offering the care truly understand the needs of dementia patients and know how to handle tough situations. In addition, they can help create a sense of routine and consistency, which is important for a person who is diagnosed with dementia. Furthermore, there are other things they can help with to make your loved ones more comfortable. Here are a few of them.
Involve them in daily activities
Daily activities such as cooking and baking, working in the garden or doing small tasks around the house can make a dementia patient feel more valued and valuable and getting them involved is one way of doing this.
Effective communication
When it comes to caring for someone with dementia at home, effective communication is crucial. This involves not only avoiding asking questions like “Don’t you remember?” but also encouraging two-way conversation for as long as possible, providing friendly reminders, listening when the patient feels frustrated and talking to them like a normal human being and not using a baby voice.
Offering them freedom where it matters
Dementia patients may feel like their freedom has been taken away from them and this may be partially true. However, there are ways to ensure they make small but impactful decisions in their daily life. This can include choosing what to wear, giving them the freedom to bathe themselves (while assisted) and other options to offer them a sense of not being deprived.
Creating a system of planning and reminders
Caring for dementia patients in their home by a professional caregiver can also entail creating a system of planning and reminders. Planning and scheduling using a calendar can help keep a sense of consistency. Meanwhile, placing reminders in oft-used places is another strategy that can help reduce frustrations.
Creating a routine
Professional caregivers are also adept at creating daily routines. Whether this entails taking medication on time every day or ensuring that baths or showers are held at the same time each day or even eating at regular intervals and at a scheduled time can help provide a sense of consistency.
Monitoring physical changes and needs
In addition to the above, professional caregivers can play an important monitoring role in terms of changes in the patient’s physical needs and requirements. This can include monitoring weight loss or weight gain, checking for incontinence and other signs of changes to their physique.
Limiting causes of frustration
Placing photos of loved ones in rooms where patients spend most of their time is one good idea that a professional caregiver would advocate for and sources of frustration should be worked on to be limited. This can range from physical barriers such as stairs to emotional causes of frustration that comes with the loss of one’s memory.
Flexibility
Flexibility is another characteristic of a professional caregiver for dementia patients. Sometimes, decisions about the patient’s well-being will need to be made in a split second and this ability to remain flexible under pressure is something you can rely on your caregiver for.
Ensuring a safe home environment
Last but not least, a professional caregiver for dementia patients could offer you advice on creating a safer home environment. Things we may take for granted such as stairs could need the installation of handrails, anti-slip padding, changing curtains with bright and busy patterns on them, removing dangerous objects such as matches, gas or access to hot surfaces like stoves etc.
Final thoughts
Professional dementia care at home is one of the best things you can offer your loved one who is suffering from this illness and it comes with many benefits and advantages. Your loved one will not only feel more secure and comfortable in their own home, but all the conditions for maintaining their dignity will remain intact. To discuss care needs call Walfinch on 020 4541 4500
