A person experiencing memory loss is, at the least, confused. When we can’t remember and track what’s going on, it’s very confusing. And it can be scary!
Anger and fear are natural responses. People with dementia often don’t recognize they have a problem. They just know that the world is not as they expect it to be.
Personality changes are common, as are changes in behaviors as the disease progresses. For instance, people with middle-stage dementia frequently lose their social inhibitions. They forget the social customs we call manners. This can lead to actions that are embarrassing and very confusing for families.
Research indicates that caring for a person with memory loss is extremely stressful. A diagnosis of dementia, more than other conditions, takes its toll on the family.
Dementia caregivers are much more likely to be depressed. They also are more likely than other caregivers to develop significant health problems.
If your relative has dementia, you need to be extra careful to mind your own health. And you need to develop strategies for coping with stress.
Although working together as a team is optimal in eldercare, it can be challenging in the case of dementia.
In the earlier stages, it is important that the person with dementia be involved in decision making. As the disease progresses, however, they will lose the ability to make reasoned decisions. More than with other conditions, the role of the family will change.
Determining when and how to phase out responsibility for decision making can be difficult. A nurse care manager can give you a sense of the stage of dementia. They can help walk you through the formal diagnosis process. A nurse care manager can also help you find resources now and plan for the future.
Even if the memory loss condition is not curable, there are things you can do to make daily life more pleasant for all of you.
It’s very important that you reach out and get help. Caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally taxing. Family members need patience, strength, and regular breaks from caregiving. Support groups can be extremely helpful for providing tips about daily life and coping with the stress. They can also tell you about other programs and sources of support.
People with dementia also need support and access to others who know what it’s like. Joining a support group of people with dementia during the early-stage is invaluable for them!
You don’t have to do this alone At 1st Choice Home Care, we understand dementia. Give us a call at 336-285-9107. We’d be happy to help with resources for everyone in the family.
Kimberly, Angelea and Dorothy are literal angels. Kimberly spent so much time talking with me about options for family member. Her team is kind, compassionate, patient, professional, responsive and dedicated to their clients. I cannot say enough about how amazing their whole team was to work with. I would absolutely recommend 1st Choice Home Care to anyone seeking in-home care for a loved one.
Kimberly and her staff are the best! the name says it all. They should be your 1st Choice! My mom was in Hospice in my home and the nurses from 1st Choice were EXCELLENT. They treated my mom like she was their mother. They not only took care of her but me too. They were so kind, caring, experienced, knowledgeable about Hospice and what she needed. Mom fell in love with them, as did I. I had 1st Choice 12 hrs a day/ 7 days a week.
When mom's memory began to impact her daily living, I engaged 1st Choice after evaluating several groups in the area. Janet (owner) knows how to care for our loved ones and to hire a team that make that happen. Mom and I partnered with her and her resources for 1.5 years while mom was still independent, helping with dressing, redirection and panic. We brought mom home during COVID and for the past two years these ladies have poured their care and wisdom into our lives as the ravages of Alzheimer's left her much more physically dependent. I am forever grateful for this group. No one is perfect (as people are not) but if you are willing to walk along side of them to get to the care your loved one needs, you won't regret the choice.
My experience with 1st Choice Home Care has been exceptional. It is so hard to watch a loved one, especially my mom, suffer with the ills of aging. As my energies grew less the professionals with 1st Home care eased my anxieties while providing loving and professional care to her. I would not have made it without the gifted staff and the love and care they showed. Thank you thank you thank you! Kim Berry
A great company to work for. Amazing leaders and mentors. They have taught me a lot and given me valuable life experiences I will forever cherish. Still growing and learning each day. Thank you all for everything!!
The best home care agency in triad area. Everyone is professional. Most of all they provide care from heart hand in hand with qualified skill/experience. Exceptional!!! Thank you!
