Seniors can preserve their comfort, independence, and standard of living in familiar environments by aging in place. However, memory problems can make day-to-day living more challenging for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
Caregiving for Alzheimer’s at home requires careful planning in order to promote emotional stability, safety, and memory retention. Seniors can age in place with the support of Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers and some useful memory strategies.
Create a Regular Schedule
For seniors receiving Alzheimer’s and dementia care, routine is essential for reducing confusion and anxiety. A daily routine that incorporates meals, medication, activities, and relaxation should be established by caregivers.
Additionally, to preserve a feeling of stability, it’s important to stick to regular wake-up and nighttime schedules.
Make Use of Cues and Memory Aids
Seniors might use memory aids to assist them in remembering significant activities and occasions. Among the helpful tools are:
- Whiteboards and Calendars: A large, easy-to-read calendar with reminders for each day should be centrally located within the home.
- Labeled Items: To reduce misunderstanding, it’s important to clearly identify cabinets, appliances, and drawers.
- Smart Technology: Smart home appliances and voice-activated reminders can help with appointments and medication reminders.
Establish a Secure and Helpful Environment
Accident risk may rise as a result of memory loss. Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers can recommend changes to the home to make it safer and easier to navigate. This might include things like eliminating clutter and loose rugs that might result in tripping or installing handrails and grab bars throughout the home.
Also, good lighting is key, especially at entryways and hallways. In addition, using contrasting colors and signage can also help seniors remember where certain rooms or items are.
Promote Cognitive Involvement
In order to slow down cognitive deterioration, mental stimulation is necessary. Some of the activities to encourage seniors to try include the following:
- Games and Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles, memory games, and crossword puzzles can all help stimulate cognitive functioning.
- Music Therapy: Music has a way of helping seniors relive memories and lift their sprits.
- Reading and Storytelling: Reading aloud or listening to audiobooks can support language maintenance.
- Reminiscence Therapy: Positive memories can be triggered by looking at old pictures or talking about things that happened in the past.
Encourage Nutrition and Exercise
A healthy lifestyle promotes general well-being and cognitive function. For seniors, this includes participating in regular exercise, such as group classes targeted at their age group, following along with workout videos at home, or walking around their neighborhood.
Additionally, Alzheimer’s and dementia care professionals can help them create a healthy meal plan that is high in lean proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, as well as remind them to stay hydrated.
Encourage Social Bonds
Depression and memory loss can increase when people are isolated. To encourage social interaction, caregivers might plan outings in the community, help seniors have virtual contacts with friends and family, or suggest support groups they might enjoy.
Of course, having Alzheimer’s and dementia care in the home is a great way to increase companionship as well.
Put Stress-Reduction Strategies into Practice
Stress can worsen memory problems, so it’s important for seniors to have a relaxing environment. This might include dimmable lights, soft music, or aromatherapy.
In addition, Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers can teach seniors how to engage in relaxation exercises, such as meditation and deep breathing.
Alzheimer’s and dementia care for seniors aging in place can provide a number of strategies to help them retain their memory and enjoy better health and well-being. In doing so, seniors can continue to thrive in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Hales Corners, WI, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (414) 206-2090
At Talem Home Care of Milwaukee, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Brookfield, Cudahy, Delafield, Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, West Allis and surrounding areas in Wisconsin.
Sources:
- https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/staying-independent/different-memory-strategies#content-start
- https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-support-your-memory-simple-strategies
- https://www.apa.org/topics/aging-older-adults/memory-brain-changes
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