There are many ways you can help a person suffering from dementia or memory loss.
Helping People Suffering From Memory Loss
1. Not paying attention to recent conversations and events
Even in the early stages of dementia, people suffering from this condition might have difficulty recalling recent conversations or events. The brain may have lost the information due to dementia. They may not be able to recall the discussion or event. You should consider bringing them to an assisted living facility.
What you can do to help
Written descriptions and pictures can serve as useful records of events. Encourage them to keep a journal, a calendar, or a diary to track events and conversations.
Answer simple questions with concise answers and then repeat them as many times as necessary. It is also possible to write down the answer so the person can keep track of it. It will not help to inform them that they have already heard the information.
You can ask the person if they are unable to remember if they did something. You might say, “It must have been a while since your last breakfast. Are you hungry?” instead of, “Have you had breakfast?”
2. Inadvertently forgetting names and words
Dementia patients may struggle to find the right word for a conversation. Additionally, they may forget the names of family members or friends they have known for many years.
What you can do to help
Give the person enough time to express themselves if they have trouble finding a word. It can make things more difficult for them if they feel pressured.
Consider the context of the words they use to communicate their message. This could give clues as to the word they are trying to say.
To help the person name items, you can use prompts, cues, and context if they don’t understand what you are saying. Even if they don’t know what the object is called, the person might be able to identify it and its purpose.
Try to remember the name of someone you know if they are having trouble remembering it.
You might consider using a “memory book” or a “memory box”, which contains photos and short information about people, such as their names and stories of how they know them.
3. Problems with daily tasks
As dementia progresses, the individual will experience more difficulty with everyday tasks such as dressing or making tea. They may have a hard time remembering how to do it or the steps they need to take to accomplish basic tasks. It is crucial to encourage them to take responsibility for their lives for as long as possible.
What you can do to help
You can help the person perform tasks by breaking them into smaller, more manageable steps. You can write brief instructions and make sure they keep them close by.
Try to determine the times of the day when the person is more focused and schedule tasks accordingly.
It is important that you make sure the items that are used frequently are easily visible. You can make it easier to do your job by placing the items that the person uses most often near the kettle.
For one-off tasks, use reminders such as sticky notes and a wall calendar. For more regular tasks, you can put up reminders that are permanent. A sign could be posted at the front door reminding the person to bring their keys and wallet in case they need them.
Assistive technology devices are a way for people with dementia to manage their daily activities. For example, electronic pill boxes remind them to take their medication. Assistive technology may also be used to reduce dangers, such as gas valves or smoke alarms.
Talk to an occupational therapist. They can help you find the right devices and coping strategies to assist with your day-to-day tasks.
4. Get lost outside the house
Dementia patients may forget where they are going and why. People with dementia may have difficulty recognizing familiar surroundings, which can lead to confusion and even danger.
What you can do to help
Consider going out with the person if they have a tendency to get lost, or have someone else take them out.
It may also be helpful to tell other people you know who live nearby about the person’s difficulties.
A person might find a mobile phone helpful. If the person doesn’t know how to use a mobile phone, there are many options. A GPS device, which is an assistive technology product, may be an option.
Make sure that the person is able to show identification and contact information for people they know. A medical alert device such as MedicAlert may be useful.
The Alzheimer’s Society provides help cards that dementia patients can take with them to aid in their daily lives.
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for a facility that can help someone you love who is suffering from memory loss.
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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/