Dealing with Dementia - Tips and Advice
At Foothills Home Services, we work with a wide range of seniors with all different ailments - including dementia. Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, and having a better understanding of how it typically progresses will make caring for your senior loved one easier. We offer several program types, including round-the-clock care for individuals in need; this includes taking care of all the planning, shopping, cooking, and of course, providing companionship. Our Health Care Aids are available to help with personal care such as bathing, washroom, and dressing.
Different Stages of Dementia
A note about dementia is that it is the general term for a decline in mental ability interfering with daily life; Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of diagnoses.
The simplest way put - Alzheimer's is a specific disease; dementia is not.
Preclinical - During this stage, dementia and memory loss are often not detected - your senior loved one will act normally, including behaviours, personality traits, and emotions. Research suggests that somebody could have Alzheimer’s for as long as 18 years before it becomes detectable.
Early-Stage - A diagnosis is usually made at this stage after someone may find themselves forgetting such things as remembering new names and places, following recipes or directions, or forgetting where they’ve placed items. Despite these changes, people at this stage can usually still live and function independently, including being able to drive.
Mid-Stage - Memory loss will gradually become more pronounced in this stage of Alzheimer's. Also, habits like sleeplessness, wandering, and confusion in familiar settings may become common and changes in overall mood, behaviour, and personality.
Late-Stage - A person in this stage will have difficulty with several areas, such as recognizing family members and friends, responding to their environment, or performing day-to-day tasks without assistance, such as getting in and out of bed, getting dressed, or eating. Generally, individuals in the late stage of dementia will need 24-hour care, making caring for a loved one at home with dementia very difficult and time-consuming.
If you are feeling worried about this stress, please reach out to Foothills Home Services and let us alleviate the pain and stress of your loved one’s illness while offering comforting companionship.
Changes as Dementia Progresses
Emotional changes
As the brain struggles to process information and changes, your senior loved one will experience a range of emotional responses and will long to regain their independence, daily routine, and social life.
Your senior companion may show frustration, become depressed, or experience anxiety, but there are ways you can offer emotional support.
Recognizing and respecting their feelings
Encouraging involvement in activities
Providing reassurance and letting them know how much they matter
Breaking down complex tasks into easier-to-follow steps
Cognitive changes
Cognitive changes meaning changes in brain function are the most recognizable changes in a person with any form of dementia; you will notice such occurrences in your senior loved one -
Memory loss - difficulty in remembering names and faces
Loss of coordination and motor function skills
Disorientation - becoming lost in familiar places or getting confused about what time of day it is
A decline in the ability to socialize - eventually, this will lead to a lack of ability to properly communicate with others
Physical changes
As dementia progresses, physical changes will become noticeable. Feet may begin to shuffle or drag and trouble with balance or difficulty standing up become common and are largely caused by weak muscles and fatigue.
You can minimize these changes by encouraging your loved one to remain active for as long as possible, a simple short walk or gentle stretching exercises can go a long way. And be sure to empower your senior loved one by only offering assistance when visibly needed or asked for.
Communication Advice
The progression of dementia affects people’s communication skills and ability to express themselves. Here are some tips for better understanding and communicating with the person you care for:
Avoid any questions that test memory - asking what they’ve done this week
Questions that only need a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer will further keep the conversation simple
Try to look for the meaning behind their words
Speak slowly and clearly while using simple language and short sentences
Try not to be argumentative about responses - even if their answer is incorrect
We’re Here For You
We hope to have shed some light on what dementia looks like and ways to make each day a little easier. If you are feeling discouraged about a senior living with Alzheimer’s or another form of senior memory loss, Foothills Home Services is here to help. No matter what stage of dementia has progressed, we can construct a personalized care plan for your senior companion offering top care and compassion in Calgary and surrounding areas. Contact us today and let us ease your mind about the senior you love!
