6 Tips for Looking After Someone With Dementia

Dementia is one of the biggest health concerns in the world, with more than six million Americans living with the condition. It usually affects older people but early-onset dementia has been seen in people much younger.

It’s important to note that dementia is not a disease in itself. It is a symptom of multiple different health conditions, of which the most common is Alzheimer’s. It manifests itself as a decline in cognitive function, and its effects will be seen in the areas of memory, thinking, behavior, judgment, and language. It affects everyone differently, and as a result, no two cases of dementia are ever the same. People may experience completely different symptoms, and in some cases, it is progressive, while in others it is treatable or even reversible. 

If you have a loved one with dementia, it can be even harder on you than it is for them. The person with dementia may not always realize what is happening to them, but you are faced with their cognitive decline every single day. It is often upsetting to witness, and it can take quite a toll on your life. A person with dementia will require a great deal of care. Even if their disease is still in the early stages, there is no telling how quickly it could worsen. They may need help with the most basic of tasks, like eating and going to the toilet, and they shouldn’t be left by themselves.

Whether it’s a parent, friend, or partner, caring for a person with dementia is a huge responsibility. It will take up a significant portion of your time and energy. You need to be committed to the task and able to show your loved one that you are there for them.

If you have found yourself in this situation, and you’re unsure where to even start, here are a few helpful tips for looking after someone with dementia. 

Do your research

When taking on the duty of care, it’s important that you take some time to research your loved one’s condition. This will equip you with the knowledge and compassion you’ll need to understand what they are going through. It will help you know what to expect from their condition, as well as the duties you will be responsible for. If possible, it may be helpful to talk to other caregivers. They will be able to provide invaluable advice on how you can make the best of your caregiving responsibilities.

Decide on your responsibilities

You should never feel like the decision to care for your relative has been forced upon you. If you feel you are not capable of giving them the care they need, there are several options. If you choose to, you shouldn’t feel bad about sending them to live in a care home or hiring a full-time caregiver. Your loved one deserves as much help as they can get, and a trained professional will be much more able to give them what they need. This way, you can provide assistance and comfort without it overwhelming your life. If you do decide to take on the care yourself, think about what your responsibilities will be. Will you live with your loved one and care for them full time? Or will their condition allow you to stay at a distance and pop in for regular check-ins? The decision depends on their exact circumstances, and it’s a choice you will have to make.

Create a safe environment

A person with dementia can pose a severe risk to themselves. Lapses in cognition and judgment could quite easily lead to household accidents like falling down the stairs, slipping in the bath, or burning themselves on a hot stove. When your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, you should take steps to make their home a safer environment to live in. This might include shower seats and handrails in the bathroom, better lighting on the stairs, or even a stairlift. Providing your loved one with a walker or cane can be extremely helpful, and if they drive, you may need to ask them to refrain from using their car.

Establish a routine

A fixed routine can be extremely beneficial for someone with dementia, as it will help them stay grounded as their cognition declines. Try to keep their day to a set schedule so that they get up, go for walks, eat meals, bathe, and sleep at similar times. This will create a sense of structure and familiarity in their day and will make them feel more comfortable

Look after yourself

Caring for someone with dementia can be extremely trying, and it’s easy to let your own needs fall to the wayside. If you’re not careful, you could end up succumbing to extreme stress and burnout, and your mental health may suffer. It’s essential that you take time to look after yourself and prioritize your wellbeing. Schedule me-time to do something you love, whether it’s going for a long walk, reading a book, or taking a hot bath. If you can share the responsibilities of care, this will go a long way towards protecting your mental health. Ask other relatives or friends to help out every now and then, even if just for a few hours. This will give you the necessary time to decompress and focus on something other than dementia care.

Prepare for the future

You have no way of knowing how severe your loved one’s condition will get, and therefore it’s a good idea to plan for the future. There may come a time when your relative is unable to take care of their own life affairs, and it may be necessary for you to take legal responsibility for them: read What is a Durable Power of Attorney for more useful information on this. The burden of care may become too much for you, so you may end up needing to hire professional care or checking them into a nursing home. Keep your options open and consider every possibility.