After a dementia diagnosis, you may have to help your senior loved one stay positive even if you’re experiencing negative emotions at the same time. You can use the following tips to help everyone adjust to this new change in your loved one’s life.
Start with Your Loved One’s Attitude
Your loved one’s attitude about dementia could influence your mood. If your parent is in denial or grieving about the condition, encourage him or her to talk to a professional counselor or join a support group. As your loved one’s mood lifts, you may find it easier to maintain your positivity.
Dementia is just one of the many health issues older adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Write Down Your Loved One’s Strengths
One of the biggest fears people have about dementia is watching their loved ones fade away. After all, you’d want your parent to always enjoy his or her favorite activities and be able to recall the amazing memories you’ve built through the years. You can allay this fear by creating a list of everything your loved one brings to the table. Believing in your parent’s strength, independence, and adaptability can give you reassurance that he or she is capable of enjoying a happy life with dementia.
View Dementia as a Physical Issue
People often focus on the mental and emotional aspects of dementia, which makes it difficult to understand the changes are out of their control. Taking a scientific view of the illness can help you focus on your loved one’s changing behavior. People with dementia experience changes in the brain that affect how they think and reason. Reminding yourself that dementia is a physical condition can help you provide better care for your loved one.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Miami Beach, FL, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Avoid Making Assumptions
Dementia symptoms vary among older adults. Right now, you should drop any beliefs you have about the condition that don’t help your loved one. For instance, you may have a friend whose parent isn’t doing well with dementia. However, this doesn’t mean your loved one will follow the same course. People with dementia tend to thrive with the right types of support. Letting go of your assumptions and false beliefs allows you to better focus on the challenges you encounter.
Create an Action Plan
You and your loved one can take several steps to slow the progression of dementia. For instance, engaging in brain-boosting activities, such as doing crossword puzzles, may help your loved one retain his or her memory. Spending time with others can boost communication and reasoning skills, and eating healthy meals promotes better blood flow to the brain. Assess your loved one’s current lifestyle and determine where you can make certain changes. Being proactive gives you more control over the future.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Miami families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. Call Assisting Hands Home Care today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
