When your senior parent is diagnosed with dementia, you may wonder if they can continue living independently. And if so, for how long. Dementia affects every senior differently, so there’s no right answer to those questions. But, with dementia care at home, many seniors can continue living on their own in their familiar home for a long time.
Dementia care at home is specialized care for seniors who have dementia. The care providers have extra training that helps them understand how dementia affects seniors, and how to best take care of a senior that has dementia.
The earlier you get dementia care at home for your senior parent, the more support they will have slowing down the progression of the dementia. That’s why you should consider getting dementia care at home for your parent as soon as they are diagnosed.
How Dementia Care Can Help Your Parent
Dementia care at home is important for seniors at every stage of dementia, even the early stages. Supportive care can help your parent adjust to the changes caused by dementia, and to feel safe and cared for as they face this big life change. Caregivers trained to help seniors with dementia support seniors by:
Creating a consistent routine
A clear routine helps reduce confusion and stress. In the early and middle stages of dementia, seniors often have trouble remembering what comes next, which can lead to frustration.
A care provider can set up a simple schedule for waking up, eating meals, doing activities, resting, and getting ready for bed. They guide your parent through each part of the day without rushing them. This steady rhythm helps your parent feel grounded and more in control.
Helping with activities of daily living
People with dementia may forget to take medications, drink water, eat meals, or complete daily tasks. A care provider can offer reminders at the right time and in a calm, friendly way.
They can also make it easier for your parent to continue doing things around the house by labeling items in cupboards in case your parent forgets what they are. Or by creating daily activity checklists reminding your parent to do things like brush their teeth, or put on their shoes, or drink a glass of water. These simple cues help seniors stay involved in their own routines for as long as possible.
Keeping seniors safe at home and on short outings
Safety becomes harder to manage as dementia progresses. Seniors may forget to lock doors, leave the stove on, or wander without meaning to. A care provider can keep a close eye on your parent, guide them through the house, and make sure risky areas stay off limits.
A dementia care provider can also make sure that your parent gets to medical appointments safely, and help them avoid getting impatient or scared at medical appointments.
Strengthening cognitive skills
Staying engaged helps slow the decline of memory and thinking skills. A care provider can introduce puzzles, simple games, memory cards, music, crafts, reading time, or sorting activities.
These tasks keep the brain active without overwhelming your parent. They can also chat with them about family stories, hobbies, and daily events. Regular stimulation helps your parent stay connected and improves their mood.
Promoting independence
In the early and middle stages, seniors can often do parts of daily tasks but may need guidance. A caregiver can help your parent choose clothes, prepare simple snacks, tidy up, or water plants. They offer support only when needed so the senior still feels capable. This balance keeps your parent safe while protecting their confidence. The goal is to help, not take over.
If you or an aging loved one are considering dementia care in St. Paul, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
