Dealing With Dementia: An Overview

By Jack Morgan


For one to receive news that they have dementia can be rather heart breaking for them and their loved ones. The best thing to do after receiving such news is to make the necessary preparations. It will provide you and your loved ones with the capability to deal with the unpredictable and ever changing of nature of the condition.

To take responsibility for your physical well-being is significant to cope with dementia. To go to a medical doctor who is a specialist in dementia is always good. This will ensure that you will receive the best treatment. Follow a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, fish and vegetables. Exercise at least four days every week for about 30 minutes. Doing this makes you feel better, slow the development of dementia and promote better sleep. Go outside and get plenty of sunshine. This will make you feel better as well as boost the vitamin D level. Sufficient vitamin D helps diminish dementia symptoms.

The first step when dealing with dementia is to set up some restrictions for the person suffering from the disease. People affected with dementia show unpredictable behavior. There have to be restrictions for the person in order to prevent any harm from coming to them. These restrictions could be where the person can go, who they can go with or what times they are allowed to go out. This is to control or totally prevent the things that can cause erratic behavior that may pose a danger.

Going to senior center in town is a nice option. Most offer transportation. It promotes socialization and provides a variety of activities. At home, try more difficult errands during the day when you are alert and focused. Give yourself enough time to perform jobs such as balancing your checkbook or paying bills.

Always maintain a written schedule of the day's events. This includes appointments. Staying at home alone is hard and unsafe. A good choice is to attend adult day care since it offer activities that individuals with cognitive impairments benefit from. The activities are success oriented.

Include music, massage as well as reading time to relax yourself. Read aloud from your favorite book or play music. If you become irritated, have a range of activities to do. Taking a walk, looking through photos, and preparing a snack are nice activities.

Once a certain amount of time has elapsed, one has to sit down and evaluate how caring for the person has been. This involves looking at the triggers of their erratic outbursts, things that calm them down and what setting or situations they are most comfortable in. This will mean that one can see the problems that need improving on, what they should avoid and generally how to make the person happier and healthier.

Always ask for help. It is very important. Family members and friends might not know the way you feel at times. Get them involved and you will find it easier to cope with this situation. Elder care services can also provide you help. Visiting nurses offer needed services. Insurance might cover some of your cost. Ensure your finances are in order. Appoint an individual as a health care proxy since you will need one at some point. Make sure this person understands well your health care needs. Remember that the internet offers several online support groups. You can even pick a support group in your region.




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