Have you or a loved one just been diagnosed with dementia? Even though this can be a scary diagnosis, there are ways to become prepared to take on this new lifestyle for you and your loved one. Today, we are going to dive deep into the do’s and don’t of dealing with dementia in hopes to bring comfort to an unpredictable situation. Continue reading to learn more. 

Do’s of Dementia: 

1. Educate Yourself About Dementia: 

Did you know that more than 7 million Americans 65 years or older had dementia in 2020? This mind-altering disease is one that many Americans and their family face every year. The only good thing about this shocking statistic is that, because it is so widely known, there are many resources to understand and help you and your loved one dealing with dementia. There are plenty of resources and tools out there to learn more about this disease and allow you and your senior to game plan how you are going to tackle everyday life together.  

 

2. Be Patient With Your Loved One

There is no surprise here: Dementia will change your senior’s life and impose some implications on their everyday life. It is essential to be patient with your loved one as they are trying to comprehend the situation and make sense of it themselves. Patience is the key to peacefully continuing your relationship with your senior. 

 

3. Maintain a Consistent and Manageable Environment 

Keep it simple. Even though this disease will have an impact on your senior’s mind, it will not change the environment they inhabit. There is no need to completely change every aspect of the loved one’s life, in fact, that might be more harmful as they are dealing with dementia. The best way to navigate this situation is simply by being there for them and being a consistent pillar in their lives.

 

Don’ts of Dementia: 

1. Don’t Isolate or Stigmatize Loved One

One of the worst things you can do for your senior with dementia is to stigmatize and isolate them. Do not abandon your senior loved one because of their diagnosis; do not treat them differently for it. The best thing to do here is to support and love them through the process. 

 

 

2. Don’t Argue With Loved One’s Perception

Listen, there are going to be times when your senior dealing with dementia has the situation all wrong, but the best thing to do in that situation is to humbly agree and move forward. As the disease progresses, your loved one’s thoughts or memories will not be the same. Arguing will only leave your senior with dementia confused and in emotional distress.

 

3. Don’t Underestimate Their Abilities 

Even though your senior with dementia will need more assistance, they are not incapable of daily tasks, especially at the beginning. As time goes on, their abilities may begin to fray, but they are still human. Underestimating your loved one’s capabilities will only end in conflict and strife. Instead, be a helping hand and gradually increase your help as needed. 

 

How CareHeartedly Can Help: 

As the designated caretaker, it can be overwhelming taking on the responsibilities of your loved one’s life. That’s where CareHeartedly comes in. CareHeartedly offers specific dementia-based services equipped with trained professionals to help assist you and your senior where need be. 

 

End Note: 

Even though this diagnosis can be scary, there are beneficial ways to take on the challenge and assist your senior as they navigate this new phase of their life.

You are not alone! Please contact CareHeartedly with questions or concerns regarding our Alzheimer/dementia services.