Quick Guide to Understand Dementia in Aging Parents

Millions of people are caring for elderly loved ones with dementia. Caring for an elderly loved one with dementia can be challenging. Even the simplest of interactions can be trying, to say the least.

A significant percentage of these caregivers suffer from poor health themselves, as a result of the demands of providing care for an aging parent with dementia.

Understanding more about dementia and how to provide care for a dementia patient can help you and your loved one live a better life.
Dementia
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in mental function that affects an individual’s daily life. Memory loss and Alzheimer’s are two common forms of dementia.

Dementia is caused by damage to the nerve cells in the brain that may result from reactions with medications (or illicit drugs), genetic mutations, head trauma, poor nutrition or unmanaged stress or anxiety among other causes.
Signs of Dementia
Dementia is a broad term and can manifest in several ways, such as –

• Personality changes
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Non-adherence to social norms, such as making inconsiderate or embarrassing comments
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Since each of these can be signs of other conditions as well, seek a doctor to accurately diagnose the condition.
Elder Care with Dementia
Elder care with dementia requires an understanding of how to effectively communicate and interact with your loved one.

• People suffering from dementia may become incapable of identifying the tone in your words or body language signs. Trying to be too enthusiastic or feeling sad when picking up a conversation can completely derail it. Remain calm and approach each interaction afresh.

• You may raise your voice to be heard. Avoid it. Eliminate distractions, such as TV, a loud dishwasher or an open window. The sudden silence can help your loved one focus.

• Be clear and concise in what you say. If you want your loved one to do something, state it simply and in steps.

• If your loved one with dementia can’t understand you, try adjusting your pitch to be better heard and understood.

• Approach them with compassion. Dementia sufferers may struggle to find the right word. Attentively listen and allow them time to put their thoughts together.
Getting Help

If you’re caring for someone with dementia, you may need professional help to evaluate their complex individual needs. Skilled nursing and health care providers offer comprehensive case management, in-home skilled nursing care, speech therapy, caregiving, respite care services and more.

If you are looking for reputed home health agencies, Speech therapy clinics or Infusion therapy providers in San Antonio, call Home Nursing and Therapy Services at 210.822.8807 Today. With a mission to be the highest quality home health agency, HNTS offers caregivers for multiple needs and ensure you and your loved ones lead a healthy and meaningful life through our nursing and therapy services.

If you are looking for reputed home health agencies, Speech therapy clinics or Infusion therapy providers in San Antonio, call Home Nursing and Therapy Services at 210.822.8807 Today.

2608 N Main Ave #3,
San Antonio, TX 78212,
USA

This release was published on openPR.