Aging is a natural phenomenon, but as age increases some people develop Dementia. Dementia is one of the major diseases that happen in old age. People with Dementia lose their cognitive and physical functioning, and the situation gets worse with time. It consists of a number of signs and symptoms such as memory issues, communication difficulties, complexity with arranging and planning one’s day-to-day life, changes in mood and behavior, and the regular loss of control of physical functions (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). The time spent on informal care of a demented person is almost ten times higher than formal care. Families take over roles and responsibilities and compensate for the deficiencies of the demented, thereby masking the real burden. Dementia is emotionally taxing and draining on patients as well as on families living with the disease. Thus, in this article, I will be discussing FIVE fundamentals which you need to understand as a caregiver of people with Dementia.
1. Prepare yourself for the ahead of your life
Once found out about your loved one’s sickness and it’s advancement in the coming years, you have to plan out the journey to avoid future difficulties and problems. As caregivers, the first thing you need to develop is the healthy mindset so that you can cultivate positive atmosphere around them. In addition to that, you need to schedule your and their day in advance so as to reduce ones’ disappointments and foster their expectations. Establish an easy to follow and flexible routine for yourself and them. Make sure you manage their time and schedule their entire day for bringing systematic routine and pattern in the patient’s life.
2. Be a friend and a good listener to them
People with Dementia are prone to withdraw themselves from people and reality. As a caregiver, you have to be a little cautious with them. You need to be like a friend who is always there with them, who listens to their problems and issues without judging them. Don’t forget to spend some relaxing time with them; chatting, listening to music, or even playing games. Try to make them laugh & be their stress reliever.
3. Don’t wait for the time they ask you for help
Many people with Dementia find it difficult to ask for help from others, no matter how much they may require it. As a caregiver, understand when why and how, they need your assistance. Make sure the communication is simple, crisp and clear. Use repetition as much it is required and don’t forget that you don’t have to be in frustration mode else they won’t open up with their concerns. You may also approach various Mental Health Wellness centers and organizations which are working for elderly people. They have trained psychiatrists and psychologists who can assist you with home care services & psychological therapies with care-experts. Kaleidoscope-Life Skills is one of the platforms which is extensively working on the domain of Geriatrics and have various services for old age people. Taking psychological support from mental health setups in the form of therapies can help your loved one deal with emotional and physical distress.
4. Provide assistance to Self-Care and Supervision
As a caregiver, support your loved ones in self-care and daily activities such as visiting the doctor for regular check-ups, medical activities, going for a walk, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, etc. Their daily schedule should be designed as per their convenience. You can also keep home-care nurse for people with Dementia for extra care and supervision. You as a caregiver need to train the home-care nurse as per your expectations. For the patient’s memory, make sure you are engaging them in activities like puzzles or any mind stimulation activities. Don’t forget to upgrade yourself with care giving skills for your loved ones. You can do so by joining a group of people who are in the same situation or make use of available resources so as to provide them with effective care.
5. Be always ready for Medical, Emotional, Social and Information Support
Dementia’s medications cannot alter disease progression yet it can temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms. Patients with Dementia may not be a reliable resource for history-taking, so you as a caregiver, should always accompany them to medical visits and regular check-ups. They need your attention, constant moral, social and emotional support 24*7. Hence, maintaining a close network of family and relatives, frequent visits from others and a large network of friends can boost their satisfaction and enhance day-to-day coping skills. For information support, make sure you take advice from doctors, counselors, and other health professionals, as well as advice from peers who have gone through similar circumstances.
Since, there is no definite solution to Dementia disease, the caregivers and their level of care is the only source to keep them moving. You being the caregiver, must follow the above five fundamentals mentioned with your loved ones and provide them the effective care.
