Taking care of a loved one with dementia is a challenging responsibility. The disease affects everyone differently, and it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. As a caregiver, it’s important to best address you and your loved one’s well-being. Use the following tips to ensure they’re receiving the highest quality of care.

Tips for Taking Care of a Loved One With Dementia

1. Keep Everything Simple

Dementia is progressive, and over time, complex tasks and directions can be frustrating. Make life easier on your loved by keeping things simple. Speak clearly and directly. Avoid long, compound sentences, and keep general tasks around the home simple. A step-by-step approach is the best way. Be prepared to take your time with them, though also make sure you’re providing opportunities for self-care. It’s a delicate balance you’ll have to discover through trial and error.

2. Stay Active

It’s important to exercise the mind. While dementia can’t be cured, exercise and mental activities may slow disease progression. Take your loved one on walks or do yoga and light calisthenics at home. Brain games may also reduce memory loss. Try jigsaw puzzles, strategy games like chess, or board games. These all “work out” the brain by promoting problem-solving, critical-thinking, and short-term memory skills.

3. Create a Personal Support Plan

It’s important to remember your needs to avoid caregiver burnout. Make sure you have at least one day to yourself each week, so you can relax and enjoy favorite activities. If you need a hand, bring other family members on board or hire a professional caregiver. Watching your loved one deal with side effects can be heartbreaking, so reach out to mental health counseling and support groups if needed.

If you need assistance caring for a loved one, a caregiver at Deer Valley Home Health Services will fulfill your needs. This agency has served Berkeley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO, since 2005 and specializes in special needs and senior home health care and general assisted living services for clients of every age. They take a personalized approach to care, and you can learn more about their mission on their website. Call (314) 355-3679 to speak with a representative.