Importance of Dementia Care
Individuals with dementia require specialized care as their condition progresses. The condition of dementia affects various cognitive abilities of the brain. The usual cause of dementia is ageing. However, diseases and injuries can also lead to progressive or static loss of cognitive functions in younger individuals. Each individual diagnosed with this condition has a different set and progression of symptoms. A person with dementia may eventually require full-time care at home or in a specialized facility.
Creating a Care Plan
Caregivers with health care training must develop a unique plan for each patient with dementia. Most individuals diagnosed with loss of cognitive abilities due to ageing are over the age of 65. As the world’s population is ageing, more individuals will be diagnosed with a dementia condition. In addition to dementia, an elderly individual may have physical health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and others. While caring for a senior with dementia, the additional conditions also require specialized medications and treatments.
Difficulties Caused by Dementia
An individual with this condition can have difficulties with solving problems, loss of language, attention span or memory. The condition progresses differently with each patient requiring careful monitoring of symptoms. Any care decisions must be discussed with the loved one first to maintain their dignity. While making lifestyle changes an individual should be seeking medical attention. New medications and treatments are useful for various types of dementia and can delay loss of mental functioning. Many dementia patients also develop anxiety or depression that requires treatment.
Help From Family
In the early stages of the dementia condition, an elderly person is often able to continue normal activities with assistance from caregivers. Family members can share in the task of caring for an individual with this condition while they remain in the home. Setting up a schedule with phone calls and home visits by family members is helpful in making sure the loved one is safe. In addition, many religious institutions provide volunteers who are eager to help the elderly in their communities. Various private and government agencies have also developed programs to assist with caring for the ageing population.
Home Care for Dementia Patients
Remaining in familiar surroundings is essential for individuals with dementia during the early stages of the condition. Stress from moving to new locations can actually cause an increase in loss of mental functions. A senior’s home is safer with a few simple changes to the physical characteristics of the home. Installing safety devices in the bathrooms such as grab bars, electrical outlet covers and slip proof flooring can prevent falling injuries. Increased lighting inside and outside the house also helps a senior to walk safely from location to location.
Home Health Assistance
The individual with dementia should begin making plans for their future care before losing the mental capacity to make decisions. Hiring a home health worker to visit every day or live in your loved one’s house can be a great plan. A trained professional caregiver can assist with tasks such as bathing, household chores and preparing nutritious meals. Alternatively, an individual could spend time each day in a specialized day care facility designed for dementia patients. As the dementia condition progresses, a loved one may move to an assisted living home full-time.
Nisha has been writing about elderly and dementia care for the last few years now. She enjoys reading health articles from http://mha.org.uk and other dementia and care home resources.
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