10 Recommendations for Caregivers and Families of Individuals With Dementia
1- Give the individual space. Use short sentences and never use force with the individual who has dementia.
2- Develop a routine. Common Routine includes washing, bathing, dressing, walking, exercising, and eating at the same time in their familiar environment.
3- Assist the person in writing down the tasks such, as chores, appointments, and important events in a calendar or a journal.
4- Assist the person in developing a plan of activities that the person enjoys and try to do them at the same time each day. The plan may need to be modified and changed as dementia progresses.
5- A system of reminders is required to help those who must take medications regularly. Ideally, a family member or caregiver is available to assist, otherwise, we may have to rely on a phone call from a family member, a pharmacy, or a caretaker.
6- Always allow the individual to do as many tasks as possible. Examples include dressing, bathing, eating and toileting
7- Buy easy-fitting, comfortable, and easy-to-use clothing, such as Velcro clothes, elastic waistbands, or large zipper pulls instead of buttons or buckles.
8- Retrofit the living area, bathroom, and shower area. Install grab bars and declutter the living area to avoid tipping and falling.
9- Be gentle and respectful. Tale your time and tell the person what you are going to do, step by step while you help them bathing or getting dressed. Don’t forget to smile and show love and kindness.
10- Don’t forget to seek professional help. Caring for someone who suffers from dementia is not an easy task and over time may result in caregiver breakdown.
Contact us for all your dementia care needs at 604 4889323 or visit our website at https://www.allnursing.ca/
Alzheimer Society of BC https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en