Everyday Care Guidelines for People Living with Dementia

Caring for someone with dementia can be a full-time job and it is essential to have a lot of love and patience. The following guidelines for dementia, based on best practices and expert advice, may help you to better care for dementia patients while also taking care of yourself.

Want to give your loved one the best dementia care? Connect to Antara Care Homes to know what’s best for them and make the decision accordingly.  

What is dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms for decline in mental ability due to disease or injury. It affects memory, thinking, and judgment. A person with dementia may have trouble remembering familiar people, places, or things. They may also have difficulty in communicating and solving problems.

There are diverse types of dementia, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Dementia can be challenging to deal with, both for the person affected and their loved ones. However, some things can be done to help in  care for dementia patients.

Types of Dementia

There are many types of dementia, each with its symptoms and progression.

Alzheimer’s Dementia 

Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Symptoms typically develop slowly and worsen over time. Early symptoms may include memory loss, difficulty in planning or solving problems, and changes in mood or personality. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

•Difficulty with language

•Disorientation

•Impaired judgment

•Problems with movement

Lewy body dementia  

Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, accounting for 10-20% of all cases. Symptoms can be like those of Alzheimer's but may also include hallucinations and changes in alertness and attention.

Frontotemporal dementia 

Frontotemporal dementia is a rarer form of dementia that typically affects people in their 50s and 60s. It accounts for 5-10% of all cases of dementia. Symptoms of frontotemporal dementia can vary widely depending on which part(s) of the brain are affected. They may include: 

•Changes in behaviour or personality.

•Difficulty with language and communication.

•Problems with executive functioning (e.g., planning and decision-making).

Most Common Symptoms of Dementia

The most common symptom of dementia is memory loss, which can be mild at first and progress to severe. Other symptoms include:

Confusion

Disorientation

Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

Impaired judgment

Problems with motor skills

Personality changes

Depression

Paranoia

Practical Tips For Daily Dementia Care 

If you are caring for someone with dementia, there are some things you can do to make their life easier and help them feel more comfortable. Here are some tips:

•Create a routine and stick to it as much as possible. This will help the person feel more secure and less confused.

•One of the main advice for dementia individuals and their caregivers is to make sure the environment is safe and uncluttered. Remove anything that could potentially be dangerous or confusing, such as electrical cords or loose rugs.

•Encourage the person to eat healthy food and stay hydrated. They may not have a good appetite, so you may need to try different foods and textures to find something they will eat.

•Help them stay active by providing opportunities for exercise or walks outside if possible. Dementia can cause people to become withdrawn, so it's important to encourage social interaction when you can.

•Be patient with them and understand that they may not be able to communicate like they used to. Try not to get frustrated and remember that they are still the same person despite the changes in their cognition.

There are a few things that you can do daily to help with dementia care. Use short sentences and plain language when communicating. It is also essential to be patient and understand that the person may not be able to process information as quickly as they used to. Finally, try to create a calm and positive environment. This means avoiding loud noises and bright lights and focusing on soft music and gentle light sources. Following these strategies for everyday dementia care can provide support to your loved ones. 

How Antara Memory Care Homes can help

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with dementia, as the condition affects each person differently. However, there are some general things that all people with dementia can benefit from, and Antara Memory Care Homes specialize in providing this type of care.

 Some of the ways that Antara Memory Care Homes can help people with dementia include:

Creating a safe and supportive environment: The Antara Memory Care Homes staff are trained in dealing with dementia and creating a safe and supportive environment for residents.

Offering activities and programs: There are various activities and programs offered at Antara Memory Care Homes that can help stimulate residents' minds and provide them with a sense of purpose.

Promoting social interaction: Social interaction is essential for people with dementia, as it can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. The staff at Antara Memory Care Homes encourages residents to interact with each other through various activities and programs.

If you or someone you know is dealing with dementia, Antara Memory Care Homes may be able to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

At Antara Memory Care Homes, we provide a full range of services to help our residents live as independently as possible. We know that each person is unique and deserves personalized care.

 Our services include:

• 24-hour supervision and security

• Medication management

• Assistance with activities of daily living

• Nutritious meals and snacks

• Housekeeping and laundry services

Dementia is a progressive disease that can be exceedingly difficult to deal with, both for the sufferer and their loved ones. However, by following these tips for everyday care, you can make the lives of those affected by dementia much easier. Implementing a routine, providing stimulation and opportunities for social interaction, and being patient are all important things to remember when caring for someone with dementia.

Get comfort, safety and dignity for seniors with dementia at Antara. Fill out our quick inquiry form and our team will guide you through our personalised care services. 

Conclusion 

If you are looking after someone with dementia you need to have patience, understanding of the guidelines for dementia and flexibility. You can boost their life quality (and cut down on your stress) by putting these daily care plans into action: setting up steady routines, making a safe space to talk well, and getting them involved in worthwhile tasks. Keep in mind that each person's dementia journey is different so the experts will tweak the plan as needs shift. As a caregiver, taking care of yourself is just as crucial; get help from doctors, community groups, and support networks. At Antara, we think that with the right know-how and kind care, you can create happy moments and bonds even as memory slips away. Your hard work has a huge impact on your loved one's life. 

FAQs 

What is the one food that people with dementia should avoid? 

People with dementia should stay away from foods that are processed and have lots of added sugar. They should also cut back on drinks with too much caffeine. These foods and drinks can make them more agitated and mess up their sleep. A better choice is to eat as people do in the Mediterranean. This means lots of fruits and veggies, plus foods with omega-3 fats. 

How can you keep a person with dementia happy and comfortable? 

To help someone with dementia feel good, here are some simplec tips for daily dementia care: 

• Stick to routines they know 
• Get them things to do they used to like 
• Listen to them and show you understand how they feel 
• Whenever needed, give them a gentle pat or hug. 
• Play music they love 
• Make sure their surroundings are quiet and calm, without too much going on at once. 

How do you take care of someone with dementia at home? 

Set up regular routines, make the home safe, talk, use picture signs, let them do daily tasks when they can, and get help for yourself as a caregiver. 

What does a simple daily routine for a dementia patient look like? 

Morning: Wake them up, help with cleaning up, serve breakfast 

Midday: Do easy activities, talk about old times, have lunch 

Afternoon: Take a break, go for a short walk, do things that use the senses 

Evening: Have a quiet dinner, do calming activities, start getting ready for bed 

How can you cope when caring for someone with dementia? 

Join support groups, take care of yourself often, let others help you, use respite care, learn about the disease, celebrate small wins, and keep in mind that even imperfect care has value.