Caring for someone with dementia can sometimes be quite daunting. Because dementia is progressive, it is important that caregivers of this aging population work to ensure that their loved ones remain active and that they are managing their lives as best as possible. As a caregiver, you might feel frustrated and sad as you learn that your loved one isn't able to recognize their family members or is losing precious memories easily. You might also be struggling with the many practical dementia care issues, such as maintaining your loved ones safe as their condition progresses. There is help for all of these different areas and ways to cope with the challenges of dementia care.
Many people assume that dementia is simply a disease of the aging population that will affect those around them as they grow older. However, caring for a loved one with dementia requires that you first become trained in how to care for this particular condition. Even if you don't want to become a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, there are training programs available through local hospitals or nursing homes that can help you learn the basic steps of dementia care. These programs are often run by social workers and care givers who have experience caring for dementia patients.
One of the most common dementia care issues is dementia blindness caused by sunseting. This type of incident is often unexpected and can occur for any number of reasons. If a loved one begins to lose their peripheral vision, they may begin to wander off or appear mentally cloudy. It is important that caregivers deal with this issue as soon as they see signs of sunburn or sunseting. The longer that a patient with dementia remains exposed to the sun, the more chance that they will suffer from sun damage or a more severe case of sun blindness.
Another common issue in nursing homes and hospitals that deals with dementia issues is memory care. While many people associate dementia with poor memory or disorientation, this condition actually stems from a loss of executive functioning. Executive function refers to the ability to control behavior, take part in decision making, and manage day-to-day activities; it is a large component of cognitive function and is difficult to replace in elderly individuals.
There are several dementia care options that caregivers can use to address the issue of poor memory. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one method of treatment that has shown some success in treating this condition. In this process, a therapist works with a patient to identify and modify their thought processes to assist them in controlling behaviors related to stress, anxiety, depression, and boredom. This type of treatment can prove challenging, especially in cases where a loved one is suffering from dementia because it can be difficult to determine whether a patient is experiencing true dementia or simply normal aging. Other dementia care options that can provide respite from symptoms and the development of new strategies for coping with daily living include adapted home living, assistance with daily activities like bathing, eating, and dressing, and use of medicinal aids like antidepressants.
When dementia affects an individual over the course of one's lifetime, family members need to be involved in efforts to reduce symptoms and create positive memories. It can be difficult to maintain relationships with a loved one that is suffering from dementia, but support groups and respite care services can make it easier. A support group can provide patients with an environment to discuss experiences, exchange ideas and information, and provide encouragement. Family members can also offer encouragement and emotional support to nursing home residents, as well as to their family members. If possible, enlisting the help of professionals, such as doctors and caregivers, can ease the burden on family members.
