I Think My Loved One May Have Dementia: Now What?
September 27th, 2017 by admin
Watching a loved one grow older may always be difficult, but if your loved one is exhibiting signs of significant memory loss, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps to take. While circumstances may vary, the following recommendations can serve as a guide to help you navigate this part of life and make sure your loved one has the care they need.
Pursue a medical assessment
Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the nation, and fifth leading in those over 65 years of age. If you suspect your loved one may be showing signs of Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, you should immediately seek a medical evaluation. It is entirely possible that their memory loss could be within a normal range of their age, or that their symptoms indicate another condition entirely. Either way, you will need a definitive diagnosis to determine the best treatment options for dementia care, or for any other medical issues they may be experiencing.
Do your research
Caring for someone with dementia is never easy. If your loved one has been diagnosed with some form of dementia, you should make every effort to educate yourself about these conditions and the best ways to care for someone with them. For example, agitation and confusion are extremely common with dementia diseases. When developing a dementia care plan, caregivers need to bare this in mind and find ways to minimize these feelings. Wandering and poor judgment are also very prevalent, so you will need to find effective ways to keep your loved one out of harm's way. By educating yourself, you will be in a much better position to empathize and form a plan.
Assess their needs
Depending on the stage of their condition and other factors like personality and other health considerations, your loved one will have specific needs. You will need to initially assess these needs and continue to do so over time. Someone in an early stage of dementia, for instance, may need assistance only with their finances and meal preparation, while someone in a later stage might need help bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating. Once you zero in on their current needs and understand what they might require in the future, you will be able to make important care decisions, and discovering what role you can play.
Consider outside help
Caring for a loved one at home can be an all-consuming job, which is admirable. Most caregivers are forced to put their own lives on hold and experience some degree of burnout; at a certain point, it may no longer be healthy for you or your loved one to care for them yourself. While some people hire home help, others find that memory care centers are better equipped for this task. The best memory care facilities will provide the supervision and expertise needed to help dementia patients remain vital for a longer period of time. Not only will the best memory care facilities offer medical care, but also allow patients to partake in mentally stimulating activities that they'll enjoy. If you explore this option, make sure to ask plenty of questions to ensure the facility you choose will be a good fit.
A dementia diagnosis is never good news, but an essential step in providing the best care for your loved one. Whether you choose to care for your loved one at home or choose a memory care facility in your area, it is imperative that you pursue a medical assessment and discover all you can about these conditions.
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