As expert providers of memory care in Towson, MD and the surrounding areas, we have found that caring for a family member with dementia comes with some benefits – the gratification that comes with knowing you are helping to make the individual’s life as safe and comfortable as possible, the pleasure of seeing his or her happiness during an enjoyable activity, and the warmth of reminiscing together. However, it is also one of the most complicated responsibilities any of us can manage.
The Maryland in-home care experts at Absolute Companion Care work with families to provide education and hands-on, specialized support with dementia care, and offer the following strategies to deal with the more challenging dementia behaviors:
Wandering/Roaming
Wandering can occur for a wide array of reasons: feeling bored, irritation, pain, depression, confusion, the need to use the restroom, and more. Trying to identify the root cause for your elder loved one’s wandering is important. For instance, a bored senior with dementia could possibly be redirected to a favorite activity or reminiscing over photographs. If pain is suspected, be sure to call the elder’s doctor for assistance. Make sure doors are locked to ensure the individual does not wander away from home, and always be sure he or she is wearing some type of identification at all times just in case a wandering incident should arise.
Sundowning
Sleep pattern changes and disruptions are widespread in dementia, and can result in fatigue for family caregivers. It’s helpful to try to limit daytime sleeping and create a soothing, sleep-inducing environment during the night: keep lights low, play soothing music, and avoid serving the elder caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. If, in spite of these efforts, the elder continues to stay awake and irritated through the night, recruiting the assistance of a professional caregiver, such as those provided by Absolute Companion Care, can ensure the person is well cared for overnight and the chance for family members to get much-needed rest.
Combative Dementia Behaviors
Stress can swiftly escalate to agitation and even aggression for elders with dementia. Elders may also be aware of your own stress, which can create further distress for them. It is crucial to remain calm, even in the face of aggression and agitation, and to understand which activities are most calming for your loved one and have them at the ready to diffuse difficult circumstances. This could be a tactical activity, the person’s favorite music, a walk outdoors, listening to a story read out loud – it may take a bit of trial and error to identify what works best with certain dementia behaviors.
Absolute Companion Care provides compassionate memory care Towson, MD families can trust, and our caregivers are skilled and experienced in dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Our team would love to partner with you in providing the highest possible quality of care for your older loved one. Contact us at 410-357-9640 to arrange for a free in-home evaluation or to get answers to any of your questions about memory care in Towson, MD and the surrounding areas. Visit our Service Area page for a full list of the communities we serve.