According to a recent survey, 55 million people have dementia. This condition can be identified by a sense of dependence, loss of memory, and confusion. This gradually decreases happiness not only for the patients but also for their loved ones, who often suffer the heartbreak of being called strangers by their close dementia-affected individuals.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a disorder in the brain functioning that severely affects the daily life of individuals suffering from dementia. It is not a disease but a set of symptoms associated with various brain disorders.
Some common characteristics of dementia include:
- Memory Loss: It makes it difficult for patients to recall recent events or information and often becomes a sign of short-term memory loss.
- Communication difficulties: Patients are often unable to choose the right words during conversations or while writing.
- Visual processing difficulties: People with dementia struggle to identify items and faces, unable to judge distances or understand visual information.
- Behavioral Changes: Mood swings, anger issues, irritability, etc, are some of the common behavioral changes seen among patients.
- Difficulty with Motor Skills: Every day, patients have trouble with things like balancing, coordination, and using their hands for small movements, like writing or eating. This makes it hard for them to do things like getting ready or eating by themselves.
If you, too, care for a loved one with dementia, here is a guide to providing dementia care and support in your own home.
Safe Environment: A Basic Need
Making sure our loved ones are safe, who are suffering from dementia is extremely important. A safe environment reduces the risk of people with dementia getting hurt by mistake.
How Can We Make The Environment For People With Dementia Safe?
- Always try to keep the space free of sharp and rough objects.
- Remove hazardous materials to avoid accidents.
- Ensure that the space for people with dementia is well-lit, or better yet, has natural sunlight to limit their visual processing difficulties.
- Installing handrails in key areas for support is always a better option.
- Use soothing colors and instrumental music to create a calming atmosphere.
External Aids: Dementia Support Tools
There are multiple external aid solutions and support tools available to effectively help people with dementia. Here, we will discuss a few top aids for the care of individuals suffering from dementia.
Top 3 External Aids
The top 3 external aids that are effective dementia support tools are- memory aids, communication aids, and safety aids. Let’s know about each of them.
1. Memory Aids:
These are the tools or strategies designed to help individuals with dementia remember important information, events, or tasks. Consider the following:
- Keeping photos, gifts, and familiar objects near them to help trigger memories.
- Setting calendar clocks or alarms to help them know the time and date.
- Pasting sticky notes or labeling drawers and cabinets helps them to find items around the house.
2. Communication Aids:
This aid helps people with dementia who struggle to speak or understand others by using tools or techniques that make communication easier. It can be done by following:
- Picture or symbol-based communication boards to help individuals express their needs and desires.
- Simple written or visual instructions for daily tasks, such as getting dressed or preparing meals.
- Voice-activated smart devices for making phone calls, playing music, or setting reminders.
3. Safety Aids:
These are the devices or tools designed to increase the safety and well-being of individuals with dementia, helping to prevent accidents and injuries. Let’s know a few tips:
- Door alarms or locks to prevent wandering and ensure the person’s safety.
- GPS tracking devices or wearable locators to help locate the person if they wander.
- Fall detection AI devices or motion sensors to alert their loved ones in case of accidents or emergencies.
Dementia Emotional Support: Caring The Inner Child
Emotional support is like a warm hug for the heart, a hug that you want to prevail forever. It’s when someone listens without judgment and understands. The guidance that guides you without making you feel dumb is a part of emotional care. When you have silent strength in the form of a person who reminds you that you’re not alone, feel blessed! They are the back support that is making you stronger!
Ways To Support Dementia Patients Emotionally?
There are many ways you can support individuals with dementia, but here are a few practical tips to do that:
- Listen to the dementia patients attentively and show empathy.
- Engage in meaningful and happy activities with them.
- Celebrate even their most minor achievements.
- Express your affection for them via appreciation, offering frequent gifts, etc.
- Stay patient and avoid rushing or pressuring them.
- Stay open to changes and adjust to their evolving needs and abilities.
- Spend time with them, talk to them, play their favorite music, and prepare their preferred meals. These actions can even evoke memories through sound and taste.
Dementia support: What to avoid?
There are certain things to avoid while dealing with individuals suffering from dementia. The top suggestions by the experts to avoid when interacting with dementia-affected individuals are the following:
- Overwhelming them with too much information or stimuli.
- Using complex language or instructions that may confuse them.
- Rushing or pressuring them to remember or perform tasks quickly.
- Correcting or contradicting their memories or perceptions.
- Ignoring their emotions or dismissing their feelings.
- Engaging in arguments or confrontations over minor issues.
- Neglecting their need for social interaction and companionship.
Conclusion
Handling people with dementia might be tough, but the following above-mentioned practical tips can certainly simplify it for you. Remember, the main ingredient in caring for people with dementia is patience. If you have the patience to handle individuals suffering from dementia, following the above tips can lead to improvements in their lives and the caregiving process.
