Do’s & Don’ts of Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

Thousands of families throughout Pinellas County and Pasco County provide Alzheimer’s care at home for loved ones with dementia. While elderly care can be rewarding, it can also be challenging and emotional, with evolving tasks and responsibilities that can feel overwhelming as symptoms worsen over time.

In-home nursing services and senior home care provide essential support, but it’s important to balance companion care with self-care. Let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of caring for a loved one with dementia for greater success while also taking care of yourself.

Everyday Tips for Compassionate Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care at Home

Providing a comfortable and compassionate at-home healthcare environment, with a positive focus on effective communication and consistency, is key to successful Alzheimer’s care at home.

Keep a Daily Routine

Aging adults in senior home care are unlikely to benefit from spontaneity. Thoughtful, familiar routines that include essential daily tasks like eating, dressing, bathing, and activities and places they enjoy can help maintain stability and avoid confusion.

Speak Calmly and Effectively

Aging adults in senior home care or companion care with dementia or Alzheimer’s benefit from short, simple sentences. They can easily become overwhelmed, confused, and frustrated if given too much information at once. When communicating with a loved one in Alzheimer’s care at home, use clear, calm, and friendly language. Familiar photos and books can help when they have difficulty communicating with words. Avoid telling them they’re wrong, arguing, speaking in a sharp tone, or using language that may cause embarrassment, such as, “Don’t you remember?”

Practice At Home Health Care Safety

Safety measures are essential for families providing Alzheimer’s care at home in Pinellas County and Pasco County. Whether caregivers offer senior home care, companion care, or elderly care, prioritizing safety can significantly improve the quality of life for their loved ones.

One study by Johns Hopkins found that over 90% of aging adults in senior home care with dementia have safety-related needs. But what does this mean? Caregivers can make the home safer by removing anything that could be potentially hazardous. They can prevent slips and falls by placing handrails and grab bars, tacking down carpets, and marking steps. They can also remove dangerous household chemicals, insert safety plugs, and consider installing latches on doors and cabinets.

Find More Resources on Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care at Home

For more information on dementia and Alzheimer’s care at home and home health care St. Petersburg, please explore the following resources. Also, feel free to visit our Senior Home Care Services to learn how we can help you. Call us at (727) 688-0587

● Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care

● Life with Dementia – Tips for Caregivers

● Alzheimer’s Changes Behaviors and Communications

● Tips For Caring For Someone with Alzheimer’s-Dementia Care