If you have the chance to tend to someone who is suffering from memory loss, you will realize that your labor allows you to spend quality time with them. But caregiving can become bodily and mentally exhausting as the weeks pass. No doubt, we want to keep our dear ones safe and provide them with the greatest possible life quality. However, we frequently get so preoccupied with caring for our family members that sometimes we disregard our needs. Here are a few pointers to make your caregiving life a bit simpler while you continue taking care of loved ones with memory loss.
Support
Assist the elderly person in seeing the humor in circumstances and reassuring them that forgetfulness is perfectly natural and that your help and affection for them has not diminished. It can be tough to deal with an elderly adult who has Alzheimer’s disease or another kind of dementia, so reviewing coping methods with a healthcare expert can be beneficial.
Stay Patient
It’s tough not to be frustrated with memory loss. If mom or dad is struggling to address something and forgets the right term, assist them if you are familiar with the subject. If the individual misplaces anything, seek for it instead of asking them to find it. Realize that the issue isn’t that older folks aren’t willing to do things; it’s that they simply just can’t remember.
Avoid Over Correcting
If someone with memory loss makes a mistake, such as addressing someone by the wrong name or mistaking locations and anniversaries, do not quarrel or rebuke them repeatedly unless it is essential. While it’s true that they are unable to do things correctly, criticizing or arguing with them simply adds to their anguish.
Create Simple Routines
It takes little effort to build regular routines in the lives of retirees who are rapidly losing their memories. Activities should be scheduled on the same days on a daily or weekly basis. Arrange the laundry for every Friday, for example. Visiting the doctor regularly should be arranged once a month on a certain day if possible.
Routines can be written on a big calendar or family bulletin board that can be checked every day. The kitchen is a frequently visited space, so it’s a great place to display a schedule there. Tech-savvy parents can even use phones or digital assistants to be reminded of tasks and appointments.
Provide Mental Stimulation
You lose it if you don’t use it. This principle is equally applicable to the mind and memory. Provide mental stimulation to your elderly parents regularly to keep their wits fresh. Playing games like chess, cards, or video games can help improve their memory.
When they’re alone, elderly parents can keep their minds active by doing word searches, memorizing poetry, or reading magazines and newspapers. When an elder takes up a fresh and engaging pastime that requires learning and adaptability, the brain remains engaged.
It’s difficult to care for someone who has dementia. As a caretaker, you may be saddened to notice your family member forgetting precious memories or is unable to identify those dearest to them. You could also be pondering how to deal with realistic dementia care issues, such as wandering as their condition worsens. Some of the suggestions we provided earlier may be useful.
