Not only can dementia be scary for the person experiencing it, but it can also be scary for their family. As hard as it is to watch your loved one show signs of dementia as they age, there are certain actions that you should take to ensure that they get the best quality of life in their final years.
Get a Diagnosis
Even if you are certain that they have dementia, it is vital that you are able to get them a professional diagnosis. There are many different memory-related conditions and other illnesses that can affect the memory. So it is important that you do not simply accept that their memory is failing. There are even sometimes drugs that can slow down the progression of the disease. Once you have a diagnosis for them, you can then start to think about the future and make plans that suit everybody, as well as the stage of dementia that they are at. These decisions can be informed by your medical professional.
Avoid Anger
Although it can be frustrating when your loved one forgets important information or starts the same conversation four times, it is vital that you avoid taking your upset out on them. To stop yourself from shouting or getting angry, you should take time out and take a few deep breaths before speaking to them again. You might also research the best ways to talk to them and react when they get facts wrong and are having a bad day. You should also make sure that your own mental health is supported through therapy or self-care practices, and that you have the level of aid you need yourself.
Look at Care Homes
You might want to look after your loved one until the end. However, this might not be possible depending on the stage of their dementia, especially if they are a danger to themselves and others. Instead of taking full responsibility for them in the midst of your already busy life, you should look at local care homes to find one that is right for your loved one. When you are dealing with a dementia patient, you need to find a care home that specializes in memory care, such as Ivy Bank House care home in Bath as not all care homes cater to those with dementia and the level of care that they need. This will allow them to be looked after by a team of experts and you will be able to relax that you have a long-term plan in place.
Consider Power of Attorney
It can be difficult to think about what will happen when their condition worsens. However, it is important to consider who will make decisions on their behalf when they can no longer make these themselves. This is where power of attorney comes into play. This can allow you to sort out medical and financial decisions for them. If you have decided to take on power of attorney, you should discuss their wishes with them beforehand and get the documents signed sooner rather than later.
