How to Support Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and empathy. As the condition progresses, it can impact many aspects of their life and it is important to provide care and support that respects their dignity and preserves quality of life.
In this article, we’ll explore some strategies and tips to help you navigate this season and provide the best care you can.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, is the most common cause of dementia, which is a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
How to Care for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s
There are a lot of ways you can be intentional with your care, and it doesn’t always mean providing medical support.
Here are a few ways you can care for someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
1 – Maintain a Routine
According to the Alzheimer’s Project, your loved one’s routine when it comes to bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating are important. What time do these things happen? Where do they happen? In what order do they happen? Do they have hobbies or other interests? Specific songs or music they like? Pay close attention to their routine to keep them engaged and comfortable.
2 – Provide Nutritious Meals
Poor nutrition in those with memory loss can increase behavioral symptoms and cause weight loss, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Make sure you’re providing your loved one with a balanced diet, limit intake of foods with high saturated fat and cholesterol, cut down on refined sugars, and limit foods with high sodium. There are a lot of reasons a person with memory loss might have a poor appetite, including not recognizing certain foods, being on certain medications, or having a decreased sense of smell and taste. For those reasons, it is important to make sure they are getting the nutrients they need.
3 – Educate Yourself
There’s a common saying- “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s so important to provide support for your loved one, but you can’t do that if you don’t have the support you need. Thankfully, there are dozens of helpful resources available.
Here are just a few:
➡️ 24/7 Helpline and message boards run by the Alzheimer’s Association
Reach out here.
➡️ Contact your local Alzheimer’s chapter
Look up locations here.
➡️ Join a Facebook support group
Check out Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support on Facebook here.
4 – Consider a Memory Care Community
Memory care communities are a great way to provide your loved one with the level of care they need to continue living a normal, healthy life. Here are a few benefits of living in a memory care community:
➡️ 24-hour care
➡️ Help with personal care
➡️ Medication management
➡️ A secure environment to prevent wandering
➡️ Experienced staff who are trained in dementia care
Learn more about the benefits of living in a memory care community by visiting our community page here.
5 – Be Patient
Be patient with your loved one and with yourself. Try to take frequent breaks from activities, don’t try to constantly fill in the blanks for them, and focus on one thing at a time.
Additionally, it can be helpful to use outside resources to support your loved one who is living with memory loss. We launched a research-based memory care program called SOAR, which aims to transform the lives of residents and family members through a highly personalized approach to provide purpose, joy, and hope to those living with memory loss. SOAR’s signature programs include positive affirmations, exercise routines, lifelong learning, interactive life-skill stations, unwinding opportunities, and much more.
The Aspenwood Company Can Help Seniors Live Life Well®
When it comes to memory care, it is important that your loved one is surrounded by experts and people specially trained to provide the level of care that is needed.
Our communities are the standard of luxurious living for mature adults. You will find our properties in the most sought-after locations, in the middle of culture and activity, where a vibrant lifestyle surrounds you. We’ve spent 25 years fine-tuning every detail of luxurious living so that our residents enjoy a new sense of freedom and fulfillment.
There’s luxury, and then there is Aspenwood luxury.
In order to become a member of an Aspenwood luxury community, mature adults will face some hard, but important decisions. Be assured that our team is trustworthy and compassionate, and ready to serve you. We are here to provide encouragement, support, and helpful information.
You have the opportunity to pursue and experience freedom like never before. It’s time to experience the laughter, the energy, the activity, the friendly faces, and the caring people of The Aspenwood Company. It’s time to Live Life Well®.