If your senior loved one is living with dementia, this may be a scary time for you. While there’s little you can do to slow down the disease, it’s important to know about some of the environmental triggers that can increase confusion or aggression so you can avoid them.
1. Shadows
Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s usually do better in well-lit environments. Walk through your loved one’s home and look for areas where shadows form at different times through the day. When dementia caregivers add lights in these areas, it can prevent hallucinations.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Families looking for top-rated homecare services providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
2. Noise
The noise level in the home must be carefully controlled to prevent people with dementia or Alzheimer’s from lashing out. Installing doors between rooms often allows noise to be dampened. Ask family and friends to help you by controlling the number of people who come to the house at one time. Consider creating a room with the latest in soundproof technology to manage the volume for your loved one.
3. Invasion of Privacy
Your loved one is likely to become more dependent on at-home caregivers as the disease progresses. The bathroom often becomes a battleground. Therefore, take steps to give your loved one as much privacy in the bathroom as possible. Install handheld shower nozzles, as they make it easier to control where the water goes. Often in the beginning, giving gentle verbal commands may be enough to help your loved one shower.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Frederick families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
4. Clutter & Lack of Organization
Losing things seems to be a constant battle with many seniors who have dementia or Alzheimer’s. Create copies of anything that’s important, including keys. At the same time, create an area where your loved one can still participate in his or her favorite hobbies. Additionally, it helps when seniors have schedules to follow to maintain order throughout the day.
5. Temperature
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia often get agitated because they’re too hot or too cold, and they sometimes cannot communicate their comfort level. Space heaters and personal fans can control the temperature of your loved one’s environment while letting everyone else stay comfortable.
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. Frederick 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. Give us a call today to learn about our flexible in-home care plans.