Caring for Seniors with Dementia at Home

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Learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia can feel overwhelming. Stepping into the role of caregiver, especially for someone who once cared for you, brings both emotional and practical challenges.

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Dementia is common, with millions of families across the country facing the same journey. Yet even with good intentions, caregivers often make the same mistakes, sometimes increasing stress for themselves and creating more frustration for their loved one.

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Whether you are just beginning this journey or you’ve been caring for a family member for years and are feeling burned out, HouseCalls Home Care is here to support you. Our goal is to make dementia care more manageable for both you and your loved one.

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What Dementia Care Involves

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Caring for someone with dementia changes over time as the condition progresses. In the early stages, support maybe light, while later stages often require more comprehensive help. Still, there are core elements of dementia care that remain important at every step.

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Daily Dementia Care

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Because dementia affects memory, reasoning, and daily functioning, your loved one may need help with:

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●      Bathing, grooming, and dressing.

●      Establishing a daily routine to provide comfort and predictability.

●      Using written reminders for everyday tasks.

●      Managing medications with a reminder system.

●      Creating calm and familiar meal times.

Managing Communication and Behavior

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It’s common for individuals with dementia to feel anxious, agitated, or frustrated. Gentle communication and patience go a long way:

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●      Use calm, reassuring words and listen attentively.

●      Respect their need for space and quiet moments.

●      Surround them with familiar objects for a sense of comfort.

●      Encourage conversation for as long as they are able.

●      If they become upset, redirect their attention to a soothing activity.

Promoting a Healthy, Active Lifestyle

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Staying active supports both mood and health:

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●      Encourage safe movement, such as light exercise or short walks.

●      Play music to brighten their mood and make activity more enjoyable.

●      Offer choices in meals and clothing to promote independence.

●      Include simple, enjoyable activities that spark engagement.

Creating a Safe Home Environment

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Safety is especially important for those living with dementia:

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●      Remove tripping hazards and add handrails or safety grips.

●      Use bright tape on stair edges for visibility.

●      Install outlet covers and lock hazardous cabinets.

●      Keep spaces well-lit and remove confusing patterns.

●      Secure cleaning supplies and medications out of reach.

Dementia Care Guidelines: Do's and Don’ts

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Caring for a loved one with dementia requires patience, empathy, and a gentle approach. Even with the best intentions, certain actions can make things harder.

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Don’ts

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●      Don’t remind them of their diagnosis, it may only upset or frustrate them.

●      Don’t highlight their need for help,  this can make them feel like a burden.

●      Don’t correct them, correction rarely helps and may damage your relationship.

●      Don’t take negative behaviors personally,  it’s the illness, not them.

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Do's

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●      Do let them try tasks they can still manage, even if it takes longer.

●      Do focus on quality time and shared moments of joy.

●      Do make independence easier with simple clothing and routines.

●      Do create a calm, supportive environment that fosters security.

Simplifying Dementia Care for Your Family

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Caring for someone with dementia can be both physically and emotionally demanding. By creating dementia-friendly routines, fostering calm communication, and practicing patience, you can make life easier for both you and your loved one.

If you feel overwhelmed, you don’t have to manage it alone.

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