Dementia is not considered a normal part of the aging process. However, forgetfulness and changes in behavior are common as people reach their twilight years.
Yet, dementia is more than these simple traits. It causes significant, often progressive symptoms that can be very disruptive to daily life.
Dementia isn’t a specific disease. It also isn’t limited to elderly populations. Rather, it’s a group of symptoms associated with cognitive decline that is severe enough to interfere with an individual’s capacity to perform the activities of daily living. There are many causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, patients experience a range of types and degrees of symptoms. At Placita In Home Care, our highly trained caregivers can help individuals with dementia stay in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.
Proudly offering Dementia care in Tucson & Phoenix metro areas.
Responses to Dementia Behaviors
Patients in the mid-to-late stages of dementia may begin to display some behavioral and personality changes. These changes are caused by the way in which dementia affects the brain. In addition, they may become worse over time. Regardless of the cause, it can be alarming for family members to witness these behaviors. It’s also challenging to respond to them in a calming, soothing way. The trained caregivers at Placita In Home Care are experts in handling dementia behaviors. We use a positive approach to help individuals with dementia enjoy quality of life despite their challenges. If you’ve noticed any of the following dementia-related behaviors in your loved one, it may be time to consider an in-home caregiver:
- Belligerent or aggressive speech or behaviors
- Delusions, suspicions, and paranoia
- Confusion about the place or time
- Anxiety and agitation
- Repetition
- Sundowning and sleep issues
For family members and loved ones, it’s easy to become agitated or emotional dealing with these behaviors. Fortunately, our caregivers will use appropriate strategies for curbing these behaviors. Even more importantly, they can help you and your family better engage with your loved one with these strategies. So, you can enjoy more good days and build more positive memories.
Community Activities
Patients who are in the early stages of dementia can benefit from getting out in the community. Research has shown that social engagement can slow the rate of cognitive decline and improve quality of life.
Fortunately, there are many ways that your loved one may get out into the community. Social hours, interest clubs, art classes, and continuing education opportunities are all examples of activities that can promote mental and emotional well-being in dementia patients. However, it may not be safe or practical for these individuals to participate in activities by themselves. Furthermore, family members may not always be able to take them. The trained caregivers of Placita In Home Care always look forward to providing respectful and loving companionship to seniors with dementia. Our caregivers can also help individuals participate in community activities, which may help mitigate the effects of cognitive decline. Each caregiver at our agency is guaranteed to have:
- A current, valid driver’s license
- Proof of car insurance
- An approved DMV records check
Toileting Assistance
Incontinence is a common symptom of many types of dementia, particularly in the later stages. Unfortunately, this is also an area families often struggle with. At Placita In Home Care, we understand how important it is for patients to receive dignified, respectful toileting assistance. In addition, our caregivers are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve the individual’s quality of life. Based on a caregiver’s observations, he or she may recommend changes to the environment that may minimize incontinence. One example is the relocation of furniture that may obstruct the person’s path to the bathroom. Our caregivers are also trained to use respectful language when providing toileting assistance.
Memory care is one of our specialties here at Placita In Home Care. Thus, patients or their family members can contact us for more information about our short-term and long-term dementia care services in Tucson & Phoenix metro areas.