6 Ways to Promote Independence in an Aging Parent Who Has Dementia

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Tips to Promote Independence in an Elderly Parent Who Has Dementia in Tampa Bay, FL

Seniors who try to complete tasks and activities on their own can slow the progression of dementia and boost their confidence. As a family caregiver, you need to find ways to keep your aging loved one active and independent. Continue reading to learn what you can do to promote independence in a loved one with dementia.

1. Offer Trust

Your fear could prevent your parent from doing more activities independently. You need to let go and trust your loved one to work on various tasks. To ease your mind, you can simplify the steps or watch as your parent completes each project. However, you must trust him or her to try. Merely trying to handle a task is just as important as completing the project because it provides brain stimulation. Therefore, your focus should be on the attempt, not the final results.

2. Don’t Time the Progress

When seniors with dementia feel rushed, they may respond with frustration and even combative behavior. For example, if your loved one is cleaning off the counters in the kitchen and you rush him or her for any reason, he or she might stop cleaning and respond with a verbal or physical outburst. When suggesting independent activities for your parent to take on, leave your schedule open so you won’t feel the need to rush your loved one.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Clearwater Home Care services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

3. Keep Your Loved One Active

Dementia can be emotionally and physically draining, but exercise can boost energy levels. When your loved one maintains a healthy exercise regimen, he or she may be able to take on more activities and have the stamina to work on tasks for longer periods instead of getting tired and giving up. The best way to keep your parent active is to suggest activities such as dancing, tai chi, and walking, which are exercises that increase strength, balance, and motor skills.

4. Be Supportive

Forgetting familiar people, places, objects, and events can be overwhelming for older adults with dementia, which may cause them to give up on being independent. Seniors living with neurological disorders often make a lot of mistakes and are corrected so frequently that it can negatively affect their mental wellbeing. Congratulating your parent and offering support could encourage him or her to take on more responsibility, especially in the early and middle stages of the condition. Therefore, you should make a point to praise your loved one frequently.

Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Clearwater families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.

5. Make Changes to the Home

Dementia is a progressive disorder that makes it difficult for the brain to store and process information, and these challenges could cause seniors to rely more on their caregivers. However, adapting the home can make life less difficult for your parent. Some helpful adjustments you can make to your loved one’s home include installing extra lighting, placing emergency contact numbers in several easily accessible places, and removing common distractions.

6. Focus on Strengths

Living with dementia doesn’t make your parent helpless. He or she may maintain many abilities even as the condition progresses, which is why you should focus on his or her skills when coming up with daily tasks. Encourage your loved one to do as much as he or she can, even if it means completing only part of an activity. Some days will be better than others, but the goal is for your loved one to keep going.

A trained caregiver with knowledge about caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Clearwater at-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated dementia caregiver, call us at (727) 330-7862 today.

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