How prepared are you to offer the care your dad needs? When you’re helping a parent with dementia, it’s often hard to fully understand how difficult it can be. Before becoming overwhelmed, use these dementia care tips to make it easier for you, your dad and his in-home care provider.
There are days when a distraction is necessary for keeping your dad happy. Learn what the best distractions are. If he is in a rage and music can soothe the anger, make sure you have a way to put on music when it’s needed.
If he loves date bars, keep some stored in the freezer. On days when he is anxious or overly stressed, you can’t get anything done as he’s shadowing you. Distract him with a date bar and cup of tea at the table. While he’s eating, you can focus on a cleaning chore in a nearby room.
It’s handy to have a daily list of tasks to complete, but expect the unexpected to happen. Suppose your dad wakes up and isn’t feeling like cooperating. You’re better off skipping some of the items you want him to do and focusing on the necessary ones.
He doesn’t want to shower or eat breakfast. Don’t fight him on the shower if you can avoid it, and instead work on finding something he is willing to eat. He might not want a bowl of oatmeal, but he wants a chocolate shake. Make it for him and add some oats to get ground up in the shake.
Reminders are essential for routine tasks. A whiteboard or a smart device makes it easy to organize your to-do list. Jot a list of things your dad must do each day on the whiteboard. He’ll have it available to go through each morning and make sure he’s completed the necessary tasks. You can go through it with him.
Smart devices can be even more helpful as the device works with audible alarms. You can have alarms go off each day and alert your dad to take his medications, brush his teeth, or complete other necessary tasks. If he needs prompting, the alarms help you avoid forgetting anything when you’re busy with other chores.
Caring for a parent with dementia takes planning and determination. Your dad may not always be cooperative, but you have to stick with it. You also need to know when it’s time to take a break. Hire in-home care aides to help out.
When you need to take an afternoon off, don’t ignore it. In-home care aides can stay with your dad. Go out and see your friends, take a long walk to de-stress, and return ready for the next item on your to-do list. Call our in-home care agency to arrange respite care and caregiver assistance.
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