As your loved ones age, your responsibilities towards them also change. Taking on the role as a caretaker may feel like a role reversal for some individuals and you may feel as though you are unprepared for the role. Additional stresses may arise if your loved one lives with a memory loss of some sort. However, despite the stresses, the role of a caregiver can be extremely rewarding. Read on to find out how to take care of a loved one with memory loss to the best of your abilities.
Establishing Routine
For loved ones with dementia, routines are extremely important. Dementia can cause your family members to feel frustrated with themselves and lose their sense of confidence as this illness reaches its later stages. Hence, having a routine that they are familiar with can really aid them in building a sense of self-assuredness. Furthermore, these routines give them a sense of familiarity which provides them with more security. Also, this sense of order can greatly aid your loved ones’ memory. They have a greater chance of recalling an activity if it is carried out at regular times. Hence, if any tasks are recurring, such as doctor visits, you can try to schedule them at the same time on the same day, each week!
As a caregiver, routines can also be greatly beneficial for you! The predictability of the days allows time to go by more smoothly for your loved ones. This will result in fewer situations where your relative is worked up or disturbed by any sudden changes. Their calm and peaceful demeanor can create more ease for both parties!
Altering Their Diet
If your loved one is suffering from a milder form of memory loss, whereby it occurs on a more occasional basis, altering their diet can be very helpful. For individuals eating foods that are higher in sugar and filled with saturated fats, this may result in them having lower memory retention. As a result, they may forget simple facts more easily. It would be good to change their diet to foods that are higher in omega-3 and filled with more healthy vegetables to aid their memory. Additionally, changing their diet to something more nutritious and wholesome can be beneficial for their overall health.
Deeper Understanding Of Memory Loss
The most important part as a caretaker would be understanding the illness that your loved one is facing. Memory loss exists on a spectrum and it is important that you determine when your loved one requires medical attention for their memory loss. For example, occasionally forgetting facts or dental appointments is normal for age-related memory loss. However, if your loved one is unable to carry out tasks like eating due to memory loss or have drastic changes in their behavior, this may be a sign of a more serious form of memory loss. Understanding their problem would also allow you to understand their emotions better so that you can be more empathetic when they undergo any outbursts.
However, if you still require greater assistance for your loved one, TerraBella Summit offers a splendid program for individuals with memory loss. We have qualified team members and your loved ones are in safe hands with us!
