Helping Your Loved One with Moderate Dementia Remain Independent

People with dementia and Alzheimer's disease suffer from a gradual deterioration of memory and mental capacity, severely impacting their ability to safely function on their own. But what can you do if your loved one isn't quite ready to give up on independence? For many people, the idea of moving into a nursing home can be unpalatable and frightening, and it may not even be necessary. If your loved one is suffering from moderate dementia or Alzheimer's, there are steps you can take to ensure that he or she is receiving home health care without sacrificing freedom in the process. 

Improving Accessibility in the Home

Dementia typically begins as a nagging forgetfulness, such as repeatedly losing keys and other small household items. While this may start out as a minor inconvenience, it can eventually lead to bigger problems like forgotten meals and medications. Help your loved one keep things in order by making everything in the home more visible and accessible, including adding labels and daily to-do lists on important items.

Taking Steps to Ensure Safety

Dementia is often accompanied by physical impairment, and normal furniture can become obstacles and hazards as a result. Remove any throw rugs in the home, which may cause falls, and move most of the important furniture and appliances to the main floor where they will be easier for your loved one to get to without climbing stairs. Fall-resistant showers and bath tubs are also important to ensure the well-being of your loved one. 

Visiting More Frequently

One of the most important steps you can take is to simply visit your loved one as often as possible. This may be difficult if you do not live nearby, but you can enlist the assistance of friends and family members as well. Participate in hobbies you both enjoy, whether they be chess, watching sports, painting, gardening, or finishing a crossword puzzle. This not only gives you a chance to check in on your loved one regularly, but it also provides mental stimulation that can significantly slow down the progression of dementia. 

Hiring Home Health Care

At some point, however, most dementia patients will need more involved help to stay safe, hygienic, and active. Rather than moving your loved one into a nursing home, it may be wiser to hire a home health care professional who can support your loved one through cooking, cleaning, medical care, and companionship. This can potentially allow your loved one to remain in comfortable, familiar surroundings for years to come, all while giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your friend or family member is safe, happy, and still enjoying independence. Contact a representative from a service like All Stat Home Health for more information.