If you’re caring for a parent with dementia, it’s easy to feel like you’re all alone. In reality, though, over 10 million Americans have chosen to become a caregiver for their loved one.
Dementia in the elderly is all too common, especially as the population of older ones continues to rise. Living with dementia brings a unique set of challenges to everyone involved.
Have you seen signs that your aging parent needs more help? Are you ready to step up but you’re not sure where to start?
Here are three tips to help you in your caregiving journey.
1. Educate Yourself About the Types of Dementia
Dementia isn’t a singular illness. Rather, it’s a syndrome that encompasses many degenerative brain diseases.
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, affecting between 60%-80% of people with dementia. However, there are many other types of dementia too, such as vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
Because each type of dementia comes with its own set of symptoms, you need to know what to expect as the disease progresses. This will help you better plan for the future and how you’ll care for your parent in the years to come.
2. Create a Safe Environment
As the signs of dementia progress, your parent will likely need a new living arrangement. This could include moving in with you, or you may be in a position to build a mother-in-law suite on your property.
In either case, here are some steps you can take to minimize fall risk and other hazards:
- Install extra lighting or nightlights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms
- Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet
- Put away area rugs and other tripping hazards
- Check to ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working
- Install door locks or latches to prevent your parent from wandering
Your exact list will vary depending on your parent’s condition and the home environment. The goal is to make their living area as safe and secure as possible.
3. Ask For (And Accept) Help From Others
You love your parent, and it’s natural to want to provide the best possible care for them.
However, you need to remember that it’s impossible to do everything on your own. As your parent advances through the middle and advanced stages of dementia, you’re going to need more help and support.
Have regular family talks and keep your spouse, kids, and extended family in the loop. If possible, set up a rotation of tasks such as getting groceries, cleaning the house, or taking your parent to appointments.
Remember that caregiver burnout is very real — and very common. Take time for yourself to rest and recharge your own batteries. Then you can come back refreshed and ready to continue your role as a caregiver.
Successfully Caring For Your Parent With Dementia
It’s heartbreaking to see a parent with dementia, and caregiving decisions are never easy to make.
If you’ve decided to step up to the plate and become a caregiver yourself, bookmark this article for reference. That way, you can look back and remind yourself of the most important steps to take in your caregiving journey.
Speaking of caregiving, would you like more expert tips and advice? Keep browsing our caregiving blogs for other helpful articles.
