Tips For Seniors Living With Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Safe Haven has a comprehensive Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program that specializes in care techniques which reduce challenging behaviors and result in better days for themselves and loved ones. We know that providing care to seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can be challenging, and often makes the people involved feel isolated.

If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or Dementia, we understand that you may be unsure or frustrated with what to do after the diagnosis. At Safe Haven, we strive for independence and compassion.

Maintain Routine and Structure
Research shows a daily routine allows people with dementia to experience better moods, less anxiety, and generally function better. Develop a sense of structure by maintaining consistent wake, sleep, and mealtimes. Communicate their daily routine and what to expect next, even if they may not completely understand.

Keep Your Loved One Hydrated
Maintaining hydration is critical to good health. Dehydration can cause medical destabilization, agitation, confusion, and promote infection. Keeping plenty of water bottles on hand can help make it easier to boost hydration. You can even make it a social activity by drinking water at the same time and tracking it daily.

Enter Your Loved One’s Reality
Don’t argue with people with dementia when something they say is incorrect. Arguing may make them feel angry and that you have disrespected them. Instead of arguing, join them in their reality when talking about the present or the past. Talking things through may help you to keep the connection and familial bond healthy.

Focus on Feelings Not Facts
Make increasing their positive feelings a daily goal. Increasing their positivity can be achieved by engaging them in activities they enjoy. By accommodating their personal preferences, you’ll have better results and help them experience positive feelings. Family problems can profoundly affect people with dementia and can cause challenging behavior – even refusal of care.

Try to Effectively Communicate
Remember the saying, “your actions speak louder than words.” With dementia, nonverbal skills become more critical as their verbal skills start to fail. Avoid using words such as “don’t,” “can’t,” and “I told you.”

Don’t Go at it Alone
You can’t do it alone. Often, as a family caregiver, feelings of being overwhelmed make caregiving an emotional experience. It is important to remember that help is available at Safe Haven.

If you’re ready to find a senior living home in Atlanta that is ideal for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, contact us here for a tour.