How to Protect Someone with Dementia

A dementia diagnosis can feel devastating for those living with the condition, as well as their families. It doesn’t matter if a person has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), or a combination; the road ahead might feel overwhelming.

Yet, the right care and smart goals for dementia patients can improve the quality of life for those living with the condition while providing the dignity and respect they deserve. Continue reading to learn how to protect someone with dementia.

Identify the Best Resources

Online and community resources are available to help people learn about the different types of dementia, the symptoms, the stages, and how to provide effective care. For example, Alzheimer’s Association provides advice, practical support, helplines, caregiving training, and statistics to countries worldwide. Plus, the association can direct a person living with dementia and their loved ones to various local support groups.

Support Independence in the Home

If your loved one’s dementia is in its early stages, there are various ways you can support their independence in the home. For example, you can label items to help them recall names or words. Also, rather than taking over various chores, try to complete them together to help them maintain a level of independence.

Also, allow your loved one to take their medication independently each day, but keep track of it to ensure they are consuming it on schedule and takingthe correct dosage. Also, encourage them to use a notebook daily to monitor their finances, remember appointments, or recall other important information.

Create a Care Plan

If a loved one’s dementia is in the early stages, they could live alone and independently for many years. Yet, their cognitive and physical abilities will deteriorate over time, and eventually, they will rely on round-the-clock support.

For this reason, you must establish a future care plan following a diagnosis to minimize stress and involve the person living with dementia in the decision-making process. Also, it will ensure their medical, legal, financial, and care wishes are adhered to once they enter the advanced stages. For example, a person living with dementia might prefer to move into a care home as the disease progresses to protect their health.

Find the Best Care Homes Near You

Once a person reaches the advanced stages of dementia, they will need 24-hour care to safeguard their health and support their quality of life. Fortunately, many wonderful care homes are available to provide the care, support, and comfort a person needs when living with dementia.

For example, this luxurious care home in Eastbourne provides one-bed and two-bed suites to suit different requirements. Plus, large suites and companion suites for couples are available. Each provides all the comforts of home to help your loved one maintain their independence, and they’ll have access to skilled nursing staff, outdoor space, a beauty salon, trips, and outings.

Communicate with a Loved One

You will need to alter their communication style as a loved one’s dementia progresses. A person’s verbal communication might become increasingly muddled, which may cause much upset and confusion. Minimize their stress by asking simple questions and avoid using medical jargon to help them process information.

As dementia progresses, you might need to look for non-verbal cues to learn about their emotions. As they might be unable to express themselves verbally, monitor their body language to identify if they’re experiencing pain, fear, or frustration.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming, but there are many ways to protect their safety, maintain their independence, and help them age with dignity and respect.