Tips from an Old Age Home in North 24 Parganas on Caring For Dementia Patients

Dementia happens to be one of the most common diseases in the world with the power to change the life of the patient. People suffering from this disease have to go through several emotional and physical challenges. It usually affects elderly folks, and in India, numerous families have at least one aged member experiencing the pangs of dementia. They know how challenging and stressful it is to put up with the erratic behavior of their loved ones. These people suffer from mood swings, and their personality undergoes a complete change. Caring for someone with dementia is going to be difficult, but with the following tips, you can fulfil your role and the associated responsibilities.

 

1. Empathy and understanding: The experts of an old age home in Hooghly operating via Digante Old Age Home witnessed hundreds of dementia patients over the years. They say that these people are prone to anger, confusion, and several other emotions. A dementia patient will display those emotional outbursts without warning and often at the most inopportune moments. When that happens, you shouldn’t lose your temper. You have to acknowledge the fact that your loved one isn’t aware of how he/she is behaving. They may wander around the house and forget almost everything and everyone. You must empathize with the patient instead of getting mad at him/her.

 

2. House modification: Indeed, taking care of a dementia patient at home means making modifications to the property. In many instances, the expenses are much higher than old age homes in Kolkata charges. That’s why they send their loved ones to such establishments. However, if you believe you can manage it, you should change a few areas of your house first. For instance, you can place sticky notes in strategic places around your abode to help the patient remember things and locations. You should also install protectors on furniture and appliances because dementia patients often fall and injure themselves. Additionally, you must keep all medicine cabinets locked and attach child-proof locking systems on the kitchen stove.

3. Staying active: You need to keep the patient active at all times. For instance, you can go for a walk at a nearby park or the backyard of your house. Doctors say that staying active is mandatory for these elderly folks for several reasons, including boredom, depression, anxiety, and to curb specific physical problems. Just make sure you don’t try to go above and beyond his/her limits. You can also use the opportunity to build your relationship with the person.

 

4. Regular communication: Building a relationship with a dementia patient is like connecting with a person who doesn’t know anything about you. You can probably imagine what it feels like for the sons and daughters of these unfortunate folks. While communicating, it may seem that he/she doesn’t understand most of what you’re saying. You shouldn’t let it discourage you enough to stop communicating altogether. Telling stories or sharing personal experiences will be therapeutic to you, and your loved one will realize that he/she is important to you.

 

Final words

 

Dementia patients can’t contemplate much of anything, but they do realize that something is wrong with them. While nobody can do anything to fix the situation, your empathy will act as a balm to ease the mental and physical stress. Taking care of such an individual requires you to be compassionate, understanding, and empathetic. As long as you have those qualities, you shouldn’t have too much problem caring for your loved one without professional support.