Most adults will know someone that suffers from dementia, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even a neighbor. Unfortunately, it happens to many people, and it can be hard to deal with. However, there are many ways you can help improve a dementia patient’s quality of life – and many of them are simple and easy.
Social Life
Social life is important for everyone’s brain; it helps increase mental positivity and boosts brainpower. Humans are social animals, and communication is very important to everyone, no matter their age.
A dementia patient’s social life can be improved in many different ways, such as:
- Joining social and hobby clubs
- Dementia support groups
- Dementia-friendly exercise classes
- Creative activities
Of course, there are many more activities than the above, but these are good places to start if you want to improve the social life of a loved one with dementia. The best way to find these groups is by searching online or on Facebook, and you should also have a look around your local area as you are bound to find a leaflet for such groups in stores, community centers, and even stuck to your local church’s bulletin board.
Maintain Independence
As an adult, the last thing you want is your independence taken away, and you start to be treated like a child. Sadly, this happens to many dementia patients as people are unaware of how to treat them – and this is especially true when the family and friends of a dementia sufferer lack patience.
To help a dementia patient stay independent, here are some ideas:
- Write reminders for daily tasks, i.e., taking out the trash, cleaning, laundry, and washing
- Encourage them to keep a daily diary to remind them of the day before
- Label drawers and cupboards
- Keep important phone numbers in an obvious place
- Label photographs to help them recall memories of the past and remember loved ones
By keeping their independence, they might even feel as though they aren’t even ill. Even though it may be difficult for them to fulfill some tasks, it is wonderful to see them try – and it will make them feel a sense of accomplishment as well, which helps keep them in a positive frame of mind.
Sadly, however, as the disease progresses, their symptoms and memory will likely get worse, and they will not be able to do certain daily tasks, or they might forget how to look after themselves altogether. This then puts them and other people around them in harm’s way, which is not only dangerous but also stressful as you’re always in a state of worry about your loved one. When it gets to that unfortunate stage of dementia, it may be time to consider professional care.
Find a Dementia Facility
Unfortunately, dementia and memory loss can be all too challenging to handle. The people who suffer from the condition often forget everyday tasks, leaving them accident-prone, more likely to get ill, and overall in a state of self-neglect. If a person gets this bad, it is best to find a memory care facility to help them stay safe and enjoy a quality of life while still retaining as much independence as possible.
Although it may be sad to see someone you love and care for going into a care home, it is ultimately better for them and everyone around them. This way, they will be healthier and safer, and you will know that they are always cared for, affording some much-need peace of mind. They will also be around other residents and their friends and family, meaning they’lll get to enjoy a buzzing social life and plenty of interaction and activities with like-minded people.
