As we age, our health declines, and we start experiencing different health complications. One common condition among elderly people is dementia. Caring for a parent with dementia can be challenging, because there are so many unknown factors. Dementia generally includes loss of memory, which can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. So, taking care of an individual with dementia can sometimes be a burden. If you are in this situation, seeking Alzheimer’s and dementia care Mclean, VA can relieve the burden. However, if you have to do it on your own, here is what you should do.
Research Thoroughly
The first and most crucial thing you should do before you start care is research. You need to familiarize yourself with this mental condition and how patients behave. You should also know the dos and don’ts when taking care of a person with dementia. So, read articles, books and speak with professionals. You can also ask for advice from other people who are caring for a parent with dementia. Planning ahead will help to reduce the hassle.
Adjust Your Home
When a person has dementia, their behavior changes. You need to ensure their safety by adjusting your home for them. Clean up clutter, install railways for the stairs, keep the bathrooms dry and slip-free, remove loose carpets, and keep every room well-lit.
Take Care of Yourself
You cannot provide great care for your parent if you are not in good health yourself. It is easy to feel exhausted and burned out from taking care of this person. So, ensure you are in good physical and mental condition. Consider respite care and take a break from time to time to breathe some fresh air. Take regular breaks away from the overwhelming demands and try asking for help when you can.
Monitor your Loved One’s Physical Changes
The mental function of a person with dementia continues to deteriorate. This deterioration also affects a person’s physical condition. It will be vital to monitor your loved ones to see if their condition is deteriorating. Check how they bathe, dress, eat, drink, talk, walk, and think. Knowing the changes will help you learn if you will need to increase your level of care. The physical changes might also mean more advanced medical care in the future.
Ask for Help from Family and Children
You don’t have to go through this alone. You can ask the people around you for help at some point. Explain the condition to your children, and let them know what to expect from their elderly loved one. Engage other members of the family and ask them to chip in. Doing this together with family will be less stressful, and you can give your parent as much love as they need.
Conclusion
If you are caring for a person with dementia, begin by researching and planning ahead. Adjust your home to make it safe and monitor the person’s condition when care starts. If you feel overwhelmed, consider respite care or asking your family members for help.