It can be difficult to watch the progression of dementia, especially if you are a caregiver for a family member. During this time, there are several considerations that need to be made to ensure your personal success and the quality of life for the person in your care. With the right support and resources, you can overcome the difficulties and manage the situation.
What Happens when Someone Has Dementia
Dementia is a brain disorder that occurs when people have conditions such as Alzheimer’s and other related diseases. It is a progressive health condition, which means that the symptoms get worse with time. Some people progress at a rapid rate, while others have a slower progression of the loss of their mental faculties.
There are a variety of symptoms of dementia, and the symptoms can show up in different ways for each. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Difficulty remembering things
- Poor communication
- Inability to think clearly
- Mood swings
- Changed personality
- Abnormal behavior
- Inability to care for themselves
Since the symptoms are minimal in the beginning, it might not seem like a big concern. But, it is essential that high-quality care is available to support the individual as the symptoms progress.
Maintaining Communication with a Person with Dementia
As you are caring for a family member with dementia, you need to be sure that you are maintaining good communication. Even if the person doesn’t seem to respond in the way that you would expect, you still need to put forth an effort to talk with them about their care.
Start the conversation by setting a positive tone. Consider your body language and attitude when you are talking with the individual. Make sure that you always speak with them in a respectful manner and avoid any language that comes across as condescending. Even though their mental capabilities are declining, it is never appropriate to talk down to the individual.
Limit distractions by turning off the radio or TV, then speak clearly by using simple sentences and words. Ask basic questions so that you can see if they understand the conversation. If needed, rephrase your comments in a different way so that they can understand.
Regular Visits with a Healthcare Professional
As with any disease, it is important to maintain consistent visits with a medical professional. So, you need to be sure to have a good insurance plan in place to cover these medical expenses. Contact us right away for more information about the insurance plans that are available.