Companion Care For Memory-Impaired Seniors: A Brief Guide

Dementia is more than just memory loss; it’s just one part of the illness. It is the loss of cognitive function to such an extent it affects how an older person lives their life. 

Elders over the age of 65 may start experiencing dementia symptoms. But it has been noted that even people in their 30s or 40s can get affected by the disease. It has been estimated by 2030, 8.5 million Americans aged 65 and over will suffer from this debilitating disease. 

The cognitive and psychological symptoms of dementia can significantly affect the patient and the family taking care of them. You can say that the person transforms into a whole different person with symptoms. Aside from memory loss, there will be communication challenges, problems with reasoning, problem-solving, planning, organizing, coordination, and difficulty with motor functions.

 Often, the elderly will be confused and disoriented. The psychological changes may progress rapidly, including changes in personality, anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and agitation. It will be a challenge to take care of a person with dementia. You need to be fully equipped with proper training and knowledge of illnesses and better if you have enough experience of taking care of them. 

Many families who take on the responsibility of taking care of a person with dementia suffer from caregiver stress and burnout. Even if you would prefer home care for dementia, you still need to be guided, and here’s a brief to help you out:

1. Establish A Routine

Predictability and a sense of order, especially in the early stages of dementia, can help slow the progress of memory loss and the other cognitive functions affected by the disease. Since a patient somehow knows that they will eventually deteriorate, maintaining a semblance of normalcy through patterned movements and activities can help them focus and regroup when they become confused. 

2. Create A Safe Environment

Anxiety coupled with paranoia is a dangerous combination for someone with dementia. 

That’s why the following are recommended:

• keep all knives and sharp objects locked away
• keep all medications in a secured space
• install smoke alarms
• check all locks
• install grab bars in the bathroom
• address slippery surfaces
• avoid clutter on the floor that could cause 
• keep steps safe
• use night lights

Maintaining a safe environment for an elderly person with dementia will lessen your cause of worry as the caregiver and help the patient maintain their independence. 

3. Set Up Light Physical Activities

Physical activities can help ease  patients with dementia and keep them preoccupied and entertained. Organized activities like music, ball games, tai chi, and dancing in the presence of similarly aged people can be something dementia patients can look forward to each day. 

It can boost their mood and lessen the risk of depression. Thirty minutes of light activities each day can do wonders with their quality of life. Gardening outdoors will give them the correct dose of vitamin D they need, stretch their muscles and joints, and improve their breathing. Doing physical activities can also get them to sleep faster and longer. 

4. Create A Calm Soothing Environment

Appropriate lighting, colors, and patterns in decorating a room can help create a soothing environment for dementia patients. It could significantly affect their concentration and allow them to rest comfortably. 

A calming environment helps minimize the confusion of dementia patients; that’s why it’s also suggested that their room is not noisy because they find it distracting and annoying. Television and radio volume must be appropriate since loud noises could also agitate them. Shadows, glare, and reflections easily scare them, so the proper positioning of mirrors must be in place.

 You may also appoint a safe space for them. It could be just a nook or a small corner where the seniors could relax comfortably. You may position a couch with the right firmness with a throw pillow and a throw blanket in a corner.  If they love to read, you may place a small coffee table with their favorite books and magazines beside it. 

5. Promote A Healthy Connection

Create constant communication with your elders with dementia. Conversations may not help them remember but will soothe them and improve their mood. Making them feel loved through companionship, even for a brief period, can significantly reduce the risk of depression and strengthen your bond with them. Talking to them about the past and showing pictures of events may rekindle positive emotions that will benefit their well-being. 

Conclusion

On average, the life expectancy of a person with dementia is four and a half years, much less if they were diagnosed at a later stage. If they were your parents, you would, of course, want the best for them. Caring for dementia patients could take a toll on family members, so looking for expert companion care that can provide the best assistance and maintenance will be best for the remaining years of their lives.