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In-Home Dementia Care in Linwood, NJ & Surrounding Areas

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Comfort Keepers of Linwood recognizes the challenges when caring for seniors with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. This type of caregiving requires flexibility and patience. You may find that your role in managing their daily tasks will increase as the disease progresses and wonder what works best when it comes to handling these responsibilities efficiently. There are many practical tips that can help keep them as active as possible while also enabling you to easily manage all aspects of their care. While caring for a loved one can be overwhelming at times, you can try following these tips to reduce frustration and help maintain a safe environment.

Alleviate Frustrations

Alzheimer’s and dementia can cause a person to become agitated when simple tasks have become difficult for them, and they will require more help with everyday tasks. To limit these challenges and help ease the frustration, try the following:

Keep a routine. It is important to establish a daily routine that also allows some flexibility for unplanned activities or for difficult days that may occur. When the person is more alert and refreshed, tasks such as bathing and grooming can be completed more easily. Try doing certain daily tasks at the same time each day.
Plan time. Plan for tasks that may take longer and allow more time for them. You should also allow some time for breaks between these tasks.
Involvement. Allow the person with dementia to do as much as they can with minimal assistance. For example, they may be able to dress independently if their clothing is laid out in the order it goes on.
Provide options. Provide a few options, but not too many. Examples can include letting them decide between two outfits to wear, asking if they prefer hot or cold drinks, or asking if they would prefer a movie or a walk.
Simple instructions. Clear, one-step communication is best understood for people with Dementia as they have trouble remembering things. They can also become agitated or anxious, so properly communicating can make it easier and less stressful.
Limit naps. To minimize the chance of reversing days and nights, avoid multiple or prolonged napping during the day.
Reduce distractions. Make it easier for dementia patients to focus by minimizing distractions and turning off the TV during mealtimes and conversations.

Flexibility

Over time, a person with dementia will become more dependent leading to a rise in agitation. To reduce frustration and irritability, it is important to have a flexible schedule and adapt your overall care plan as needed. For example, if dressing becomes difficult, consider reducing the frequency and allow other options for proper personal care. If they want to wear the same clothes every day, buy a few identical outfits to avoid agitation and arguments.

Keep a Safe Environment

Judgment and problem-solving skills are impaired in people with Dementia. This increases their risk of injury, so it’s important to be aware of any safety risks. Follow these steps to promote safety and keep the home a safe place:

Fall prevention. Be aware of rug placement, extension cords, and any other clutter that could cause falls. Install grab bars or handrails in areas needed.
Use locks. Install locks on cabinets that contain any potentially dangerous objects, toxic cleaners, medicines, and tools.
Reduce water temperature. To prevent burns from hot water, lower the thermostat on the hot water heater.
Fire precautions. Matches and lighters should be kept out of reach. Supervise smoking if the person with dementia smokes. Always have a fire extinguisher accessible and replace batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The progression and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease will vary with each person and can be unpredictable. Understanding what your loved one needs and tailoring these practical tips to those needs can help prevent confusion and frustration.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia takes patience and effort. It can also feel frustrating and overwhelming. It is important to also find time for self-care and reach out for support from friends and family. This can help you deal with the challenges ahead.

Contact Comfort Keepers

If you would like more information about our in-home dementia care services and how Comfort Keepers can help with Alzheimer’s and dementia care for your loved one in Linwood, NJ, contact us today!