Although dementia is a degenerative condition, those who have been diagnosed with this condition are often able to maintain active and happy lives for quite some time. How fast dementia progresses is largely dependent upon the type of dementia the individual has and the state of his or her overall wellbeing. This makes it important for both seniors with dementia and their loved ones to diligently maintain a sense of normalcy and contentment. Encouraging stress-free, happy living is a vital part of promoting good health.
Maintain a Balanced Social Life
Dementia can cause a number of surprising personality changes. It can also be responsible for frequent mood swings as seniors toggle among frustration, suspicion, anger, depression, and other difficult emotions. This might make seniors and their family members reluctant to schedule visits or continue with other social activities.
However, seniors need social interaction. It keeps them active, stimulated, and engaged. Thus, it’s far better to gently explain your loved one’s condition to visitors than it is to start gradually cutting off social interactions. Local support groups for seniors with dementia and their families may have a variety of activities available as well.
Establish Good Sleep Habits
The body has the best opportunity to protect and repair itself when a person is well rested. Limiting caffeine consumption and moderating daytime naps will help seniors rest better throughout the night.
Establishing a nighttime sleep routine is also an effective way to limit mood swings, as it allows seniors to better orient themselves to the time of day. If you’re unable to assist your loved one with his or her evening schedule regularly, a trained and professional caregiver can help and even stay overnight.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional homecare. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Combat Depression
Depression is a common development among those who have been recently diagnosed with dementia. Maintaining a regular exercise routine is a great way to keep depression at bay. Physical activity stimulates the production of mood-boosting chemicals, and it can also route more nutrient-bearing blood to the brain. It’s important to note that seniors who remain active and lead balanced, healthy lives may be able to slow the progression of the illness.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Orlando, a trusted provider of Orlando elder care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
During the Formative Stages of Dementia
There are a number of activities seniors with dementia can perform to preserve memory and cognitive functioning longer. Seniors can keep diaries and write down all the things they want to remember, or they can take up scrapbooking. These should be simple, stress-free projects that are only done when they don’t cause frustration.
There are even ways to make it easier for seniors with dementia to navigate their homes and continue aging in place with some degree of independence. For instance, cabinets and pantries can be labeled to remind your loved one of what they contain. Encouraging seniors to maintain control over their basic self-care for as long as possible will build their self-confidence and help them retain more of their essential life skills.
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. Orlando 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. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Specialists are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today.
