Dementia may be irreversible; however, if you are someone who is important to a senior who has the disorder, you should be empowered to do what you can to help. One of the many things you can do for your loved one is to create a safe environment for them to navigate through.

This is one of the reasons why at Katrix we advocate for seniors to be taken care of in the comfort of their own home. Here are some of our tips for caring for loved ones with dementia at home:

General Care Techniques for Dementia Patients

Though there is no reliable way to get rid of dementia once and for all, doctors, researchers and health care professionals have seen techniques that help patients live well despite of it. These techniques have been shown to help patients’ families as well:

1. Develop a routine

You should plan your activities out by simply making sure that there are routines your senior can do for himself or herself. Can he or she help out with preparing the food? Is he or she capable of doing a favorite activity? After you have figured these activities out, put them down in a notebook or device. Make sure that the routine has activities that both you and your senior are comfortable with. Also, be sure to have extra activities handy for when the patient is more cooperative, less confused, or not showing symptoms. It always pays to be ready.

2. Promote independence

There is a technique called “graded assistance” where caregivers give their patient activities to do with little to no aid from them. This is done to help patients get in the habit of accomplishing tasks without help. You can enforce graded assistance through any of the following:

• Verbal prompts
• Physical demonstrations
• Physical or partial physical guidance
• Complete physical assistance

3. Use music

Music helps to soothe and reduce problem behaviors like agitation and aggression. Don’t be afraid to utilize music your patient loves. Many consider it the best and most effective form of dementia therapy.

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We hope that you find the given techniques useful when caring for your loved one. Remember to ask for help from professional health care practitioners as needed. If you have a patient with dementia, it is advisable to enlist the services of an agency that provides home health care.

At Katrix Home Care, we make sure you get proper assistance and health care from qualified healthcare professionals in New Jersey. Call us at 973-585-4229 to schedule a consultation today.