Providing elder care for a loved one with dementia requires additional tasks and considerations than caring for a senior without memory loss. For this reason, you must consider your loved one's condition while taking steps to ensure they have a good quality of life. To help with your caregiving journey, practice the following steps.

How to Care for Someone With Dementia

1. Learn About the Disease

Memory loss isn't curable and will progress. Some people slowly decline over the years, while others seem to lose memory overnight. Learn about the different stages you should expect so you can adjust your elder care to ensure your loved one is comfortable.

2. Create a Support Team

You can't take on every care task alone, as this can cause burnout. Create a team of friends, loved ones, and health care providers who have the senior's best interest in mind. Rely on everyone to play a role, from a family member handling grocery shopping to a friend dropping in to visit.

3. Think of the Future

You may be able to provide daily care for your loved one while they're in the early stage of dementia, but they'll likely need around-the-clock supervision in the future. Talk with them about in-home caregivers while they're capable of making decisions to learn about their preferences.

Your loved one should also designate someone as their power of attorney to address healthcare and financial decisions when they're no longer able to do so. Additionally, you can work with them to decide where they want to live and how they'll pay for the services they need as their memory worsens.

4. Improve Your Elder Care Skills

As seniors age, their mobility often decreases, and their health issues may progress. Ensure you're ready for these needs by taking elder care courses at a local hospital or college. For example, you can learn how to toilet someone and shift them from a wheelchair to their bed without injuring them or yourself. Also, know when you can't do these tasks alone and call in a professional to help.

If you’re looking for help caring for your loved one who has dementia, contact Compass Homecare in Anchorage, AK. This elder care team offers compassionate, supportive living assistance for older individuals. Call (907) 276-6960 or visit their website today for information on their services, which range from personal hygiene help to cooking and laundry.