Has your friend or family member recently been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s? You’re not alone. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. For family members stepping in to become the caretaker of someone with dementia, there is a lot of think about. These suggestions can help with everyday tasks and care.   

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Routines are beneficial.
Over time, dementia patients will experience various changes in thinking, remembering, and reasoning. This will impact their daily life and how they go about their activities. Once their condition progresses, they will likely need more assistance with everyday tasks like bathing, cooking, or dressing. Doing these things at the same time each day or week can help. 

Consider planning some fun or leisurely activities that the person enjoys and try to do those at the same time daily or weekly, such as: 

• Going for a walk in the morning or evening
• Listen to music every day at the same time
• Doing a word search or crossword puzzle 
• Playing pickle ball with a team
• Going to get coffee with a friend

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Focus on safety.
The National Council on Aging reports that every 11 seconds, an older person goes to the emergency room to receive treatment for an injury related to a fall. To minimize the risk of falls, one of the first things you can encourage your loved one to do is to stay healthy by exercising and staying as mobile as possible. Exercise – such as Tai Chi, regular walking, water aerobics, or lifting light weight, can help with balance, building muscle strength, and even with cognition. When it comes to safety proofing your space, we suggest the following:

• place slip-resistant mats around the home, 
• hide electrical cords as much as possible, 
• place grab bars or railings around the hallways, bathrooms, and other walkways,
• make sure their shoes and clothing doesn’t hinder walking,
• remove excess furniture and clutter from key walking areas
• Store items at eye level or lower so they won’t need a step stool or ladder
• ensure good lighting, either by using brighter bulbs or adding additional light.

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Keep it simple.
When you’re caring for your friend or family member, it’s important to keep in mind that simplicity is key. For example, shoelaces, buttons, or complicated buckles can be difficult and frustrating to work with for a dementia patient. So, buy comfortable, easy-to-use products that won’t upset them but instead gives them a feeling of independence. Keep activities simple, too. Simple jigsaw puzzles or board games can help strengthen cognitive ability and keep the person entertained. Craft projects like painting, coloring books, or scrapbooks can also be simple, yet rewarding activities that help pass the time. ‍

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Find the best way to communicate.
Communication is one of life’s greatest gifts, but it can be difficult too – especially with someone who is experiencing changes in their brain. Experts at The Mayo Clinic discuss the importance of being patient with the person, giving them time to organize their thoughts and get them into words. They might lose their train of thought, repeat phrases, or have trouble finding the right word. To ensure they know you’re on their side and not impatient with them, here are some tips: 

• Focus on listening without interrupting
• Make eye contact
• Hold their hand 
• Ask one question at a time
• Don’t talk too fast
• Minimize distractions that are happening around them
• Let them participate in discussions about needs, plans, or ideas

Putting a little bit of extra effort into communication helps the person feel respected and more willing to communicate with you. You may need to learn how to interpret what they’re saying and offer comfort, encouraging them that it’s okay.

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We’re Here To Provide Support

At Mosaic Solutions, we understand the ups and downs of caring for a dementia patient. It takes time, effort, and patience. It can often feel lonely and frustrating, too. At Mosaic Solutions we help caregivers find solutions and answers quickly and easily.  We also provide a support community, virtual assistant and knowledge center. Access our suite of solutions here.  

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