Dementia is one of the most common conditions experienced by Australians, with over 447,000 Australians currently living with Dementia. It affects their ability to perform everyday tasks, and they may need someone’s patience, understanding and companionship. Whether your family member has just been diagnosed with dementia or if they need some home care assistance, here are some tips on independent living with dementia:
Check Household Safety
If your family member with Dementia is living at home, be sure that the house they are living in is as much as possible free from any dangers. Some examples include making sure the house is well lit, that there is no unsteady furniture around, no faulty kitchen appliances, loose carpets or other potential trip hazards.
Address any Other Health Issues
Some examples of health issues that can impact the confidence of a someone who needs elderly care include incontinence, hearing problems and vision problems. For any individuals experiencing these issues, independence and socialising can be extra difficult as they may be too embarrassed or scared to leave the house. You can help to alleviate these issues by having some tests done and addressing any problems as quickly as possible.
Provide Household Independence Aids
Setting up a few simple aids throughout the home of your family member can help them feel independent. For example, install a few clocks around the house that are easy to read, with big bold numbers (rather than roman numerals) and hands that clearly present the time. Large calendars can help someone with Dementia to orient themselves with the date, while setting up reminder timers can be helpful for everyday tasks and especially for medication. Handrails near the bath, shower and toilet are another way to improve independence for the elderly living at home.
Arrange a Regular Games Night
While this might seem like a surprising or unusual suggestion at first, participating in various games, puzzles and brain challenges can exercise the different parts of the brain, and can actually help to offset the affects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Not only that, it’s a fun way to bring people together and enjoy some quality time together. Unsure of what games to play and need ideas? Check out our suggestions for a few dementia activities.
Get a Helping Hand
It can take some time to integrate these tips and form a more comfortable routine or lifestyle. Sometimes it can make all the difference to have a helping hand in the meantime, to help you get settled in a relaxed way.
So you don’t need a nurse, just a bit of extra help?
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