You may never have had to take care of someone with dementia before, so it’s likely the effects of the disease are completely new to you. It’s impossible to know what to expect on a day-to-day basis until you’re months or even years into the diagnosis. Unlike other illnesses, you cannot simply rely on your instinct as sometimes the most plausible thing to do is incorrect in the eyes of the patient. In order to cope with the progressive nature of dementia, it’s important to realize that the disease is highly unpredictable, and therefore, you’ll need to be flexible and understanding to help you cope. Change is relentless, which is why you would find it beneficial to educate yourself on the outlook of the disease to help you get prepared for the long road ahead.
You may be doing everything in your power to ensure your loved one has everything they need, but there may come a time when you need extra support during the worst stages of the disease. You should never be forced to go it alone. Reach out to friends and family or search for in-home care options in the early stages of the disease. As your loved one’s condition starts to worsen, though, they may be best in a memory care community such as Spring Meadows, which offers around-the-clock care from trained dementia specialists
As the disease starts to progress, you may notice that your loved one will be communicating in a different way to what you may be used to. People with dementia typically find it extremely difficult to convey emotions and understand language, which can lead to frustration and upset. Instead of showing annoyance when communication is challenging, simply aim to understand what they’re trying to tell you, either by asking questions or signaling to objects around the room that may relate to their thoughts. There are also certain things that you should never say to a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Make yourself aware of these as soon as you can.
Children are extremely instinctive, and they will instantly notice when a shift in behavior has occurred. You may notice that they’re acting differently around the dementia patient or are asking questions concerning their mannerisms. It would be a good idea to briefly explain the disease and express that they’re still the exact same person inside. Inspire them to assist you with caregiving, so they are much more likely to adapt to the changes slowly.