Medications are often recommended to manage the physical symptoms of dementia, but behavioral symptoms like irritation and physical aggression are often treated without drugs. Non-drug therapies are often more effective than medications and are easy to implement at home.
Go Outside
Going outdoors has a calming, healing effect that can reduce the behavioral symptoms of dementia, including symptoms like anxiety and vocal aggression. Try growing a garden with your senior loved one to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors during warm weather, and open the curtains throughout the home to provide calming views of nature.
Stay Active
Regular exercise is a simple way to reduce physical aggression and keep your loved one calm. If your loved one has mobility issues, contact your local senior center. Many senior centers offer modified exercise classes that are designed for those with limited range of motion. At home, try to engage your loved one in activities such as taking a short walk around the neighborhood daily to encourage calmer behavior.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Barrie families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Declutter the Home
An organized home environment has a calming effect that can reduce the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Store unused items and donate old clothes and household goods your loved one no longer uses to reduce clutter in the home. If your loved one has collectible or sentimental items that require storage, opt for a climate-controlled storage space to keep the items in good condition.
Create a Routine
Structured daily routines are essential for seniors who have dementia. A daily routine is calming, but familiarity also allows you to more easily identify health issues that contribute to aggressive behavior. For instance, issues like constipation and increased pain could make your loved one more irritable. Talk to your loved one’s doctor if you suspect a medical condition is worsening the behavioral symptoms of dementia.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Keep Tasks Simple
Seniors with dementia often have difficulty with complex tasks and may become confused during long conversations. To keep your loved one calmer, keep tasks as simple as possible, and keep conversations simple and direct. Clear communication can be challenging for new caregivers. You can learn effective communication tips by joining a support group for caregivers. If you need help finding local caregiver resources, talk to your loved one’s doctor or visit your local senior center.
Provide Calm, Compassionate Care
Caring for your loved one can be challenging, but your ability to maintain a calm demeanor during stressful situations may help your parent stay calm. Training is available if you need help learning how to communicate with your loved one. Self-care is essential for maintaining your positive attitude, and hiring an in-home caregiver is an excellent alternative that allows you to take time to recharge. Other options include sharing caregiving responsibilities with a family member and enrolling your loved one in activities at a local senior center.
Dementia can make life challenging for seniors, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional caregivers. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Barrie live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at 647-970-3803 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.