Caring for a loved one with dementia

Caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming and lonely, taking a toll on your mental and physical health as you see their condition progress. Here are some tips for caring for someone with dementia, along with ways to take care of yourself.

Caring for someone with dementia

In the early stages of dementia, people experience changes in their thinking and memory that can affect their daily activities and relationships. As the disease progresses, they will need help with activities of daily living like cooking, cleaning, bathing and dressing. A person with dementia may have a hard time accepting help with these activities, but there are some ways to make their life easier:

Maintain routines. Help them stick to daily routines for waking, bathing, eating and going to bed. Serve meals in a familiar location and allow them plenty of time to eat.

Help them remember important details. Help them write important dates, appointments or to-dos in a notebook or planner.

Make time for fun. If they have favorite activities they enjoy, such as going for a walk, reading, watching a show or working on a puzzle, encourage them to do the activity around the same time each day.

Keep them active if possible. Regular physical activity is essential for people with dementia. Encourage them to stay active with activities they’re able to do, such as gardening, baking, walking outside or doing household chores.

Choose comfortable clothes. Make dressing easier by helping them choose clothes with simple zippers, buttons or elastic waistbands.

Make their home as safe as possible. Make sure all rooms and outdoor areas are well-lit. Remove clutter, cords and loose rugs from the floor. If they have stairs, ensure the handrail is properly secured and add safety grips or brightly colored tape to the stairs. Lock up or remove dangerous objects, such as weapons, kitchen knives, matches or cleaning solutions.

Serve healthy meals. Opt for meals that are easy to prepare, such as steamed or microwaved vegetables or a bagged salad kit. Give them options about what they’d like to eat when possible.

Be kind and respectful. As you help them with bathing and dressing, explain what you’re going to do at each step of the process.

Be mindful of how you speak. Talk to them in a pleasant tone. Your body language and facial expressions also convey your message. Speak slowly and use shorter sentences and questions.

Help them feel safe and secure. Place their favorite photographs and belongings around the house where they can see them each day.

Allow for quiet time. Build in time for them to rest without distractions. Turn off the TV or radio and close the curtains or shut the door.

Tips for caring for yourself

In addition to caring for your loved one, it’s crucial to take care of yourself.

Seek support. Let family, friends, neighbors, your church community or other volunteers assist you. They can help with tasks like grocery shopping, preparing meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation. You can also get support from your loved one’s health care providers, your nearest Council on Aging or chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Take breaks. Utilize respite care or ask a trusted family member or friend to stay with your loved one so you can exercise, enjoy a favorite hobby or see friends.

Get enough sleep. Do your best to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Try to nap when your loved one does. If you or your loved one have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor.

Take care of your health. Exercise can help ward off depression and boost your energy and mood. Eating healthy, balanced meals can keep your blood sugar stable, which helps with your energy and mood. Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

Get regular checkups. See your healthcare provider for an annual physical and get screenings as appropriate, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy. Your primary care provider can also refer you to a support group, counselor or other community resources.

Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but you aren’t alone and don’t have to walk through the experience without support. To find a provider near you, visit www.pardeehospital.org.

Dr. Tania Diaz is a board-certified internal and geriatric medicine provider at Pardee BlueMD.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Caring for a loved one with dementia