Caring for a senior with dementia may sometimes feel like you’re caring for a child. However, it’s important to make sure you treat your loved one with respect. Here are some of the ways family caregivers can help senior loved ones with dementia maintain their dignity.
Listen Carefully
Listening to what your loved one has to say prevents confusion and helps you determine what he or she needs at any given moment. Allow yourself to go into your loved one’s world and start watching and listening to him or her with empathy. By listening, you can provide the care he or she needs at any given time, even if you don’t truly understand why he or she wants it. As long as it doesn’t compromise his or her health, this is a great way to preserve your loved one’s dignity.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Green Valley Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Assign Chores
If your loved one has dementia, his or her ability to comprehend and interact may change on a daily basis. However, there are still some things your parent can do. Allow your loved one to do as many activities as possible independently, including light chores, bathing, and feeding. Step in only when needed. Letting your loved one do as many of his or her own chores as possible could slow down the progression of the disease.
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 at-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Build Self-Confidence
You can build your loved one’s self-worth by creating a stable and warm environment. When he or she has done a good job with a task, compliment him or her on a job well done. Make sure you set tasks for your loved one that are easy to accomplish because it will impart a sense of purpose and build his or her self-confidence. Don’t expect too much from your loved one, and always remain patient. Answer all of his or her questions, regardless of how many times you have to repeat your answers. This is a sign of respect. If you’re patient, kind, and complimentary, it can increase your loved one’s self-esteem.
Avoid Condescending Language
Don’t use a parental tone with your loved one, as this can come across as condescending. Your loved one might feel disrespected if you talk to him or her like you would to a child. Watch your tone and word choices. Always speak to your loved one as an equal. Use words that are easy to comprehend, but don’t use words that are considered juvenile. For example, refer to a diaper as an “undergarment” and a bib as an “apron.”
Prepare Others
Before taking your loved one to a friend’s home or out to eat, try to prepare other people for his or her special needs. For example, carry a customized card that details how the server should speak to your loved one, or let the server know if you’ll be ordering for your loved one. When people come to the home, or if you take your loved one to visit others, call ahead and let them know if he or she requires special seating or additional lighting. This allows your loved one to be more relaxed when going out, and it lowers the chances of experiencing embarrassing issues.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Green Valley families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Embrace In-Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (520) 625-2050 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.