According to worldwide statistics, there are approximately 47.5 million people with dementia in the world with almost 7.7 million cases being diagnosed each year. In America alone, millions of people have loved ones that are suffering from various symptoms associated with dementia.

According to the estimates, one out of every ten males and one out of every six females are likely to develop dementia if they’re older than 55 years of age.

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is a common term for a range of neurodegenerative brain disorders that are incurable and progressive in most cases. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease and as with most cases of dementia, it’s characterized by classic symptoms such as changes in behavior, confusion, memory loss, and forgetfulness.

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be frustrating and challenging. Caregivers have to deal with behavioral disorders, personality changes, and rapid mood swings. Let’s look at some practical strategies that can help caregivers deal with the demanding task of dealing with someone who has dementia.

Don’t Try To Be Logical

Explaining the situation and expecting them to understand doesn’t work with a person who has dementia. They don’t respond to arguments like other people do, no matter how rational or reasonable your point is. The best way to help a person with dementia go about their routine is to use simple and straightforward sentences that are easy for them to process and understand.

Don’t Try To Be Perfect

Taking care of a senior loved one with dementia can be extremely overwhelming and challenging. However, you can’t expect yourself to be the perfect caregiver and need to allow yourself the room to feel emotional and frustrated at times. Knowing that it’s okay and forgiving yourself and your loved ones are crucial for supportive caregiving.

Don’t Try To Force Reality

People with dementia are prone to memory loss and often forget things such as the death of a close family member or loved one. There’s no point in reminding them time and again. This will only cause them more emotional distress and force them to face the pain of that loss repeatedly.

Loving reassurances and therapeutic lying will go a long way in reducing the stress of your senior loved one and will help them better cope with their illness.

Don’t Expect Yourself To Do It All!

Caregivers are human and have the right to a full range of emotions. Taking care of a senior loved one with dementia can be exhausting and can take a toll on your personal life. Even if it may seem like a difficult decision, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help and to rely on professional caregiving services when you need to.

AvantGarde Senior Living and Memory Care is one such community with a professional and compassionate staff that is well-equipped to take care of your senior loved one with dementia. The senior living community will provide the care your senior loved one deserves and improve the quality of their life through assisted living.

Contact us at (818) 881-0055 or take a virtual tour of our senior care facilities in Encino, CA.