No one likes to feel as if caring for someone they love is stressful. But the reality of the situation is that caregiving is complicated and can cause a lot of stress. That stress increases immensely if the person receiving care has dementia. As dementia progresses, family caregivers often experience even more stress. Alzheimer’s home care services offer compassionate care and support that families badly need.
Get Routines in Place
Structured routines might not have worked in the past, but they’re really helpful for family caregivers and dementia patients. Routines are familiar and they offer both a sense of stability and predictability that helps reduce anxiety and confusion for everyone involved. Routines help family caregivers, too, because they make planning easier.
Learn More About Dementia
There are many different types of dementia, as well as different stages. There is a lot to learn about how dementia impacts different people and how it progresses. The more information families have, the easier it is to understand what to expect. Alzheimer’s care providers can help family members find the information they need.
Set Time Aside for Self-care
Often family caregivers put off self-care because it feels selfish. The family member with dementia typically has some big needs and family caregivers feel as if they have to be there to handle everything themselves. This leads to burnout, however, and is not the right road to take. Alzheimer’s home care providers can step in, care for the person with dementia, and allow the family caregiver to take time away to tend to their own needs.
Put Together a Support Network
Taking care of a family member with dementia requires a strong support network. Alzheimer’s home care providers are a great way to start a support network because they offer emotional support, practical help, and a friendly ear to listen. Other sources of support include friends and family members, support groups, and even therapists.
Focus on the Positives
In any difficult situation, putting too much attention on the things that aren’t happy or comfortable can increase the pain. There are difficult moments in caring for someone who has dementia, but it can help a lot to focus on the positive experiences, the small victories, and the meaningful moments. All of these help family caregivers to be more resilient.
Embrace Flexibility
Plans and routines are so important in any form of caregiving, but especially when the person receiving care has dementia. But the best plans can run into problems when the unknown strikes. That means it’s essential for families to be able to roll with the challenges when surprises pop up. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help families to be flexible and as prepared as possible, even for the difficulties that show up out of the blue.
Family caregivers have to take care of themselves if they’re going to be there through the good times and the bad times. Alzheimer’s home care providers offer a level of hands-on care and compassionate support that families need to get through their journey with as little stress as possible.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Home Care Services in Guilford MD, please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258
A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Baltimore, Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.
Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.
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