Dementia is a disorder that can be difficult for both seniors and their loved ones. Anxiety, confusion, and agitation are common symptoms of dementia. However, there are tips and tricks, along with resources such as home care assistance, that can help seniors living with dementia maintain their composure. With a supportive team, loved ones can create a supportive environment for seniors.
Ways to Help Seniors Maintain Their Calm Through Difficult Times
When seniors struggle with dementia, they can easily become frustrated. Unfortunately, some of the behaviors that result from those frustrations create situations that are dangerous for seniors and those around them. With the help of home care assistance, loved ones can help seniors with issues that arise from dementia.
Establish a Routine
By following a set schedule on a daily basis, seniors living with dementia feel more in control. Home care assistance can work with seniors and loved ones to determine what activities should be part of the daily routine to ensure the most success throughout the day.
Provide a Peaceful Environment
Make sure there is peace and quiet in the home by reducing the number of loud noises, bright lights, and other stimuli that may overwhelm seniors struggling with dementia. Having home care assistance helps create an atmosphere that is tranquil and restful. Simple techniques like softening lighting, playing soothing music, or even monitoring the temperature of the home help seniors feel better.
Maintain an Open Dialogue
Assure seniors dealing with dementia that it is normal for them to experience moments of confusion or disorientation. Loved ones can reassure seniors by speaking in a calm tone, touching them gently, and thinking and saying nice things. It might also be a good idea to discuss support groups with seniors if loved ones think it might help.
Participate in Meaningful Activities
For seniors living with dementia, participating in activities that are both meaningful and pleasurable can assist in keeping them calm and interested. Utilizing home care assistance can help seniors with this as their home health aids can work puzzles with them, help them with gardening, or read with them.
Encourage Them to Move Often
Engaging in physical activity is a wonderful way to relieve stress and anxiety. Exercises like walking and stretching are great options for seniors. Seniors can participate in group activities targeted for them or walk around the block with their home care team.
It’s important to be patient and empathetic with seniors who have dementia, as they may experience shifts in mood or become quickly frustrated. To assist seniors, loved ones should use home care assistance where needed to create a realistic and useable plan.
Discuss the plan with the treatment team, including medical professionals, to ensure it contains everything needed. When loved ones focus on activities that help seniors feel peaceful and centered, seniors will thrive.
Overall, loved ones can use home care assistance to help seniors with dementia have increased comfort and a sense of well-being by creating an atmosphere that is reassuring, calming, and supportive.
