Caregiving & Dementia

This is a BIG area of struggle for many caregivers. The expected is already very challenging but “the unexpecteds” of dementia can really throw you for a loop!

Sounds familiar?

• You went to the bathroom 5 minutes ago

• Mom, I’m your daughter

• Dad was found where?

Caregiving for a love-one with dementia takes caregiving to a whole other level.

Here is a good starting point when concerns of dementia arise. Click 10 Steps to Approach Memory Concerns in Others

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used when a person’s thinking begins to interfere with their daily functioning.
There are many conditions that fall under the dementia umbrella.

How do you manage?

There’s no clear cut answers and many factors to consider.
Safety is one of the major concerns. Here you’ll find multiple options and tips to address safety.

---

Important Considerations

• Great opportunity to practice an important virtue… patience. Another way to look at it; an opportunity for self-improvement

• Know that (with most) their intentions are not to drive you crazy and they may be embarrassed or feel incompetent because of their impaired thinking. Put yourself in their shoes. Opportunity to practice empathy.

• Keeping them safe. Now this is a tricky one, where multiple factors come into play. For example:

  Do they live alone? Are they safe alone?

  Do they live with you? Do you work?

  Is family or others available to rotate care?

  Degree of dementia? Is their safety judgement impaired?

  Can you afford to pay out-of-pocket for supervision? Or will insurance pay?

  Do they need to live somewhere else? Can you afford that?

  What is their mobility: bedridden, wheelchair-bound, use cane or walker, unsteady with walking … ?

  And more…

Yep, a lot to consider. Sometimes you have to get pretty creative and solutions may be win-wins or the “lesser of the evils” (but the safest solutions). It’s tough.

Nurturing Lifestyle can help you sort that out.

Click here for options to support and assist.

Also here’s some healthy recipe inspiration and information  about brain health you’ll find interesting.