Struggling When A Loved One Has Dementia

Dementia is unpredictable, and how a parent progresses through the disease isn’t the same as another person experiences. Families can provide care for their parents with dementia until the later stages, but during the later stages, there are too many risks to take on these challenges alone. With later stage/advanced dementia they may wander as cognition declines. Too many individuals with advanced dementia are likely to wander and get lost. There are reports every day about seniors with dementia roaming away from home and facing dire consequences. Find out how a senior living community can provide your loved ones with the support they need.

Managing Medication Schedules

Seniors with dementia need someone to monitor their medication and ensure they follow their doctor’s orders. Many individuals with dementia cannot remember something as simple as what they ate for breakfast, and they cannot manage their medication on their own. At a senior community, nurses provide dementia care in Tacoma, WA and get updates from the residents’ doctors to ensure that all seniors get their medication according to the doctor’s orders.

Meal Plans and Preparation 

Families that are trying to take care of a parent with dementia may not be able to create the healthiest meals for their loved ones. In an assisted living community, the staff creates full meals based on dietary restrictions and foods that improve dementia symptoms, and all residents stay well-nourished and healthy. These cooks understand how to prepare meals without triggering adverse reactions and worsening other health conditions. Residents receive snacks and beverages at any time, and many seniors are allowed to keep snacks and drinks in their rooms. Our Dietary Manager and Prep chef prepare residents’ meals with the understanding of residents’ dietary restrictions and likes/dislikes. Meals and snacks are included in the All – inclusive rate. Families are allowed to bring in food items if they like.

Exercise as Being Part of Activities of Daily Living

Daily routine is essential in memory care. PPMH offers/promotes a range of motion exercises as part of the daily routine. Whether it’s sit and fit, chair yoga or doing simple stretches. In a community, seniors can make fast friends and encourage each other to stay active and healthy. Communities offer exercise rooms that are filled with gym equipment that is safe for all seniors to help them stay healthy and allow them to exercise as often as they want. Motivation and encouragement can get seniors to exercise more often and prevent them from gaining a lot of weight or suffering additional health issues.

Access to Memory Care Services 

Access to memory care for seniors helps residents with dementia, and the service coordinators present activities and tasks to improve memory and recollection. Doctors provide medications and diet supplements for residents with dementia to slow down the progression of the disease. However, as it progresses, the senior forgets how to do certain daily tasks for themselves, and they need a nurse to help them. In memory care, they learn how to break down tasks into one or two steps, and the caregivers show them ways to remind themselves about things they need to do every day.

Monitoring Their Mood and Behavior Patterns

In a senior living community, the staff monitors the resident’s mood and behavior patterns. Some individuals with dementia can become combative and aggressive, and careful monitoring allows the staff to react before a situation gets out of hand.

Families will see major changes in behavior in their loved ones that can become overwhelming for them. Fortunately, nurses that have geriatric training know how to manage these circumstances without an emotional response. Depression and anxiety are common in individuals with dementia, and at the first sign of these changes, the nursing staff can help patients to prevent devastating results.

Exercising a Little Patience

Family members become frustrated with their elderly loved ones as dementia progresses. They are used to their parents performing certain tasks correctly, and when they cannot, it’s often hard for the loved ones to understand the patient’s struggles. They can become impatient and upset with their parents and the situation. A full nursing staff gives patients the help they need and exercises a little patience with them.

Why Assisted Living Is the Answer

Assisted living opportunities are helpful for loved ones who have dementia. The seniors receive all the services they need on a 24-hour basis, and the family can visit and enjoy their time with elderly family members. Seniors with dementia live inside a secured wing to prevent them from wandering off and becoming lost. They get meal preparation, help with ADLs, and opportunities to meet like-minded people and make lasting friends.

Wonderful Homes for Seniors 

At Pioneer Place Memory Haven, we offer everything seniors with dementia need for a higher quality of life and to remain safe throughout their lives. Our community is safe, secure, and offers a full nursing staff to manage your elderly loved ones’ needs. Book a private tour of our community and learn more about the dementia care we offer.

Phone 253-539-3410