Caring For A Loved One With Dementia
Dementia is prevalent in the U.S., with recent research from Columbia University, showing nearly 10 percent of adults 65 and older have dementia, while 22 percent have mild cognitive impairment.
In Flagstaff and the surrounding areas, dementia is a growing concern among older adults. While there’s still a lot to learn about the condition, we know most forms of dementia can affect basic skills like talking and walking, which makes it challenging for seniors to live independently. This is where family caregivers in Flagstaff often step in to assist their loved ones.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease. It’s a term that encompasses many conditions that affect a person’s memory, critical thinking, decision-making, and judgment skills. Like many health conditions, dementia can range from mild to severe.
There are hundreds of types of dementia, but some of the more common forms include Alzheimer's, Vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. While anyone can be at risk for dementia, it is more common among individuals who have a family history of dementia and those who may have suffered a traumatic head injury. It’s also more common among African Americans and those with high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Dementia may feel common, but it’s important to understand that it’s not a normal part of aging. Dementia is more than having a memory lapse. Signs of dementia can include getting lost in familiar Flagstaff neighborhoods (even your own house or neighborhood), forgetting to complete basic tasks like eating or bathing, and trouble remembering the names of close friends and family.
If you’re experiencing any signs of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, talk to your doctor immediately. While researchers are still searching for a cure for dementia, there are treatments available to help slow the progression.
Care Tips For Dementia
Caring for a loved one with dementia is hard work, but it’s also an honorable position to take for your loved one. Whether you’re new to dementia care or preparing for the future, consider these care tips for dementia.
- Educate yourself about your loved one’s dementia. Every type of dementia is different and can present various signs and symptoms. Do as much research as possible on the type of dementia your loved one has to better understand what they’re going through.
- Help your loved one keep a routine. Routines can help make things feel familiar for your loved one. Try to help them set a routine by encouraging the same eating, bathing, and bed times.
- Assist without being asked. Your loved one may not know what they need or how to ask for help. If you notice small things around the house that need cleaning, or you notice they need groceries, take the extra step to help out without waiting for them to ask.
- Allow your loved one to do what they can for themselves. While you want to take the initiative with some things, you also want to allow your loved ones to do as much for themselves as possible.
- Keep communication simple. Too much information or choice at once can confuse someone with dementia. Use simple sentences and only share necessary information to help keep things easy for your loved one.
- Remain patient and empathetic. It will take your loved one longer to do basic tasks as their condition progresses. Give them grace, patience, and empathy as they navigate this new stage of their lives.
- Take care of yourself. You can’t give quality care to someone else if you’re not first caring for yourself. Make sure you’re setting aside time for yourself and still living your life.
- Reach out for help when you need it. Taking care of a loved one with dementia is hard work, and it’s not something you should have to do on your own. Contact neighbors, family, and friends and ask for help when needed. If you don’t have reliable people nearby, consider working with a home care agency like Visiting Angels Flagstaff.
Flagstaff Earns Dementia Friendly Community Designation
Just this month, Flagstaff became the first Northern Arizona city to earn the Dementia Friendly Community (DFC) designation from Dementia Friendly America. This recognition reflects Flagstaff’s commitment to supporting residents with dementia and their caregivers. With this achievement, we can all help raise awareness, foster inclusion, and improve the lives of those affected by dementia in our community. You can learn more about this initiative and how it aims to build a more compassionate Flagstaff by visiting Aging Well Arizona.
Dementia Care With Visiting Angels Flagstaff
Visiting Angels of Flagstaff is a locally owned and operated home care agency that provides various at-home care services, including dementia care. Trained professional caregivers provide dementia care to seniors in any form and at any stage of dementia. The goal of dementia care is to ensure clients stay safe and comfortable at home.
Our Flagstaff office works with clients and families throughout Flagstaff, Payson, ShowLow, and the surrounding communities. Contact us to learn more about our at-home services.