Currently more than 700,000 Canadians are living with dementia with approximately 76,000 new cases discovered every year. It’s estimated by 2031, the amount of people diagnosed could reach 1.4 million.
As our population continues to get older so too will the number of dementia cases, posing potential strains on families trying to care for their loved ones.
Being a caregiver can be uncharted territory for many and is understandably no easy task.
While there’s still no cure for Alzheimer, family caregivers can do a lot to help the quality of life for their loved one and continue feeling more positive necessary care they’re providing.
The below can help in continuing the great care provided.
Get Educated
The more knowledge you have on Alzheimer’s effect on the brain and the body, the better you will be able to manage possibly symptoms that arise. For example, Alzheimer’s can affect vision and balance. When you have all these in mind, you can prepare in advance for this by illuminating the room with more lighting to reduce the risk of falling and improving comfortability.
Connect with Others
Getting in touch with support groups, classes and other family members who care for those with similar conditions can be a great form of support and information that can help increase comfort and care.
It can also provide valuable tips you can use to manage the daily activities while caring for your loved one. Furthermore, being with others who understand what you are going through can help alleviate the stress, depression, anxiety and grief that family caregivers can experience.
Encourage Participation
Everybody likes to feel as though they are in control of their lives and seniors living with Alzheimer’s are not different. Discover ways to involve, encourage and allow them to do the things they love and still remember. Although, progress on any activity may seem slow, put in mind that the process is more important than the outcome.
Reminisce with Your Loved One
One of the most significant problems families face is getting avenues to connect emotionally with their loved ones.
Looking back fondly on old memories can be a way to do this as well as playing some of their favourite music, which hopefully can trigger fond memories of their past.
