Caring for a senior family member with dementia presents some unique challenges as a busy family caregiver. Quality of life is a central focus in caring for seniors with dementia, because it’s important that they maintain independence, comfort, and dignity. Every dementia patient’s experience is different, but Alzheimer’s care professionals can offer unique support that allows seniors to have the engagement and comfort that they need.
Encourage Physical Activity
Physical movement is not just good for the body. Being more physically active is great for brain health. Gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or other movements seniors enjoy can boost mood, help seniors sleep better, and reduce anxiety. Even light activity can help to boost blood flow and maintain mobility. It’s important to talk with seniors’ doctors about whether they’re okay to start exercising more before they try new activities.
Boost Nutrition
Eating well helps seniors with dementia to stay physically healthy and it can protect both energy and cognitive function. Many dementia patients struggle with remembering to eat or have trouble because of appetite changes. Home care providers can take over preparing healthy meals for seniors, making those meals easy to eat at the same time. Foods that are higher in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are great choices for dementia patients.
Find Enrichment Activities
Seniors with dementia can get bored easily, which can lead to frustration. Activities that help to capture their attention and engage their brains are great options. Puzzles, music therapy, memory games, and crafting activities are all activities that can help. Tailoring these activities to personal interests and abilities keeps the experience positive. When seniors with dementia have time in their day to simply enjoy tasks and activities they love, it offers them a huge boost to their moods and self-esteem.
Make Socialization Easy
Isolation makes dementia symptoms so much worse. It can leave seniors with dementia feeling depressed and unsafe, which is not helpful for them. Social connections are stimulating for the brain and they help seniors to avoid loneliness and depression. Alzheimer’s care providers are excellent companions, because they understand seniors with dementia and their needs. They can also help aging adults stay in contact with friends and family members more often.
Offer Help with Daily Activities as They Become Difficult
As dementia gets worse, tasks like getting dressed, taking a shower, and doing the laundry get very overwhelming. It’s important that seniors have the help and support they need while also having room for their own independence. Alzheimer’s care providers can offer vital support for dementia patients even as their needs and abilities change day by day. Reminders, step-by-step instructions, and modeling tasks to stay on target are all easy ways to help seniors with dementia continue to move through their daily activities.
Supporting someone with dementia can feel exhausting for family caregivers. They want to offer the right support without overstepping boundaries, and that can be a delicate line to walk. Alzheimer’s care providers offer guidance and support for both family caregivers and seniors with dementia, while also helping with hands-on tasks when it’s necessary to do so.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Brooklyn Park, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
