One of the most common mental problems associated with old age is dementia, which is an umbrella term for conditions that cause memory loss in all shapes and sizes. Memory loss will be confusing and might be frightening for your loved one, so you need to take their feelings into account when managing the condition. Throughout this article, we’ll provide you with five tips to help you manage a loved one’s memory loss.
Making Home Adjustments
Memory loss can leave your loved ones feeling confused in their own home, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are ways you can change the home to give them a helping hand. For example, adding signage to cupboards and doors will be a great help – these can be simple pictures to tell them what’s behind each door.
Things may tend to get lost when your loved one has dementia, which is why you should make sure that they have one place to keep all important items (keys, glasses, etc.). As well as this, it’s a good idea to make copies to keep hold of, meaning you don’t need to spend a long time looking for them if they get lost.
Celebrate Remembered Information
Reminiscing about events can be challenging for people suffering from dementia, but it’s also a great way to help them improve their cognitive abilities. Whenever your loved one remembers past details, make a point to celebrate it, which will help to boost their confidence levels and may unlock the door to more memories.
Put Thought into Communication
When memory loss takes over your loved one, you’ll have to change the way you communicate with them. For example, if you ask questions that your loved one should know the answer to, but they can’t remember, it’s essential that you remain calm. If you lose your cool, you will make them feel frustrated and inadequate.
When you’re having conversations with your loved ones, you should avoid questions that put them at a disadvantage. For example, don’t begin questions with, “do you remember”, or similar openers. If these questions are part of the conversation, reframe them into something friendlier.
Use Assistive Technology
Technology has come a long way over the last few years, with smart assistants and other technology reaching an affordable price point. Assistive technology can be a great tool for managing dementia. For example, if your loved one has a smart thermostat and they forget to turn it off, its intuitive AI will kick in and switch off automatically.
Explore Memory Care Providers
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be fulfilling, but there’s no denying it’s hard work. In some cases, it will get to a point where external support is the best option for them, and making this choice can show you care beyond continuing to struggle. Click here to explore memory care facilities near you.
Memory loss is difficult for everyone involved, from the patient to family caregivers. By making changes to the home and the way you speak, as well as introducing assistive technology, managing a loved one’s memory loss becomes a little easier.
