Have you ever felt refreshed and less stressed after partaking in a fun activity? Sometimes, a change of scenery does us some much-needed good. Our loved ones with dementia especially benefit from getting out and doing things that are fun and away from the daily routine.
Smoking and long-term heavy drinking can pose risks for healthy people, but both can overtly compromise the health and safety of people living with dementia. Should you let someone with dementia smoke or drink?
Caregiving for a loved one is a unique experience that is, for many people, its own reward. But that doesn’t mean that caregiving doesn’t come with its challenges. Caring for another person can be a major inconvenience, and can even require you to put your own life plans on hold. This is often a bigger concern for younger caregivers, who are more likely to be at a point in their life where they’re going to school, trying to start their career or trying to find a romantic partner.
Today, about 15.7 million adult family members, many of them are spouses, are in the role of caregiving for someone who has dementia. While caregiving a spouse with dementia is common, it can come with some unique challenges.
Memory loss is the most common symptom of dementia. Your loved one in the early stages of dementia may remember that they have the syndrome, but people typically forget their diagnosis as it progresses. Your loved one may repetitively ask you, “Do I have dementia?” They may also ask, “What is wrong with me?” They might also not be able to articulate what they are experiencing, and this can generate confusion, frustration, and stress. Should you remind your loved one that they have dementia, even if you must do it repeatedly? Or should you just let it go?
Even though the reasons for anxiety in people with dementia vary individually, there are some common threads. Caregivers most often manage anxiety with a focus on the following five common causes.
If your loved one has just been diagnosed with dementia you may feel stunned, knowing that the condition is life-changing – it is never easy on a family. It can feel frightening. You may wonder what the next steps should be. Dementia is progressive in nature, but as you gain knowledge about the condition, and as you set some plans in place, it can help make the process smoother, and it will enable you to provide the best care for your loved one.
Apps that challenge the brain and provide entertainment are no longer geared entirely towards the younger population. Many apps are available that seniors enjoy, and even better, there are a variety of simple apps on the market that can help your loved one who has dementia.