Dementia is a syndrome that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Getting the right dementia care services or acquiring the right knowledge to live with a family member with dementia is rewarding but challenging.

It is important that your loved one receives the care they need at home. Their home is a place of security and comfort for any patient dealing with dementia–it provides a stronger connection to their memories and makes loved ones feel at ease. The constant connection with their memories at home also supports emotional well-being to help minimize confusion and stress.

In this article, we’ll share the benefits of in-home care for your loved ones dealing with dementia. You will also learn all the tools needed to hazard-proof your home for dementia patients, create supportive routines, and engage them in meaningful activities.

By following these tips, you can help your loved one live a fulfilling and safe life at home.

How to Ensure Home Safety for Dementia Patients

Safety should be the number one priority when dealing with a dementia patient. One research from the National Library of Medicine showed that the risk of falling doubled (in some cases tripled) when the individual had dementia. 

So, making thoughtful adjustments at home can keep them safe and promote independence. Here are some tips to enhance home safety:

1. Remove Tripping Hazards: Make sure to clear walkways of clutter, throw rugs, and cords. You can consider installing non-slip materials on floors and maintaining them properly to reduce the risk of falls.
2. Install Safety Features: If you won't be accompanying your loved one around the house, consider adding grab bars in the bathroom and secure handrails on the stairs. You should also put locks on cabinets that contain hazardous materials so they do not gain access to them.
3. Improve Lighting: Ensure all areas of the house are well-lit, especially hallways, staircases, and bathrooms. Consider using nightlights to help with them navigate in the dark at night.
4. Use Simple Locks: If your loved one tends to walk around or wander out of the home often, you may need to install locks on doors and windows to prevent wandering. Complex locks are well advised as patients with severe dementia will find them difficult to open, but they are easy for others to use in an emergency.
5. Label Important Items: Use clear, simple labels on cabinets, drawers, and rooms to help your loved one find what they need without confusion.

Taking these measures are easy and mindful ways to make your environment safer and reduce stress for both the patient and any skilled caregiver you may employ. 

Establishing Daily Routines and Schedules

As dementia progresses, memory loss and confusion can make daily life overwhelming. You can play your part to make life easier for your loved one by creating a well-planned routine. A consistent routine helps provide structure, reduces anxiety, and gives a patient a sense of familiarity. 

1. Create a Schedule: When working out how to create a schedule, you need to consider and put a lot of things in place. Have set times for meals, medication, exercise, relaxation and more importantly ensure too sticking to the routine to promote predictability and reduce stress.
2. Simplify Tasks: It can be harder for someone with dementia to understand complex instructions so break tasks into smaller steps with clear instructions. Instead of saying, "Get dressed," guide them in a step-by-step process on how to put on each piece of clothing.
3. Include Familiar Activities: Incorporate hobbies or pastimes they enjoy, such as listening to music, gardening, or simple crafts, to keep them engaged.
4. Ensure Rest: Dementia patients often tire easily so plan rest periods or quiet times throughout the day to get them well rested.
5. Be Flexible: While routines are important, you can be flexible from time to time. If your loved one is having a difficult day, you can adjust the schedule to accommodate their mood and needs. Developing a daily routine not only makes dementia patients more comfortable but also helps the caregivers provide uniform, compassionate care.

How to Dementia Patients in Meaningful Activities

Research has highlighted the importance of activities for persons with dementia to help lift their mood and cognitive function. Activities also provide a sense of purpose and enjoyment. Below are some recommendations:

Arts and Crafts

Basic crafts such as painting, coloring, or knitting can be soothing and satisfying for dementia patients. These exercises promote creativity, enhance concentration, and provide a means of expressing feelings non-verbally.

Music Therapy

Listening to music or singing known songs has a positive effect on dementia patients and even promotes remembering. Research has established that music therapy can have a positive influence on mood, reduce agitation, and support cognition in individuals who have dementia.

Gardening

Engaging in simple gardening tasks, such as watering flowers or planting, can provide sensory input for your loved one and instill calmness and a feeling of accomplishment.
 

Physical Exercise

Physical exercise has been linked with better brain health and slower cognitive loss. Gentle activities like stretching, walking, or dancing preserve mobility, improve circulation and boost mood. 

Puzzles and Games

Engaging in puzzles, memory games, and board games can challenge the brain and promote problem-solving. Picking activities that are compatible with the abilities of the patient avoids frustration and keeps them confident.

With these activities, family and professional caregivers can encourage persons with dementia patients to remain active and mentally functional.

Benefits of In-Home Care for Dementia Patients

Unlike institutional care, home care allows individuals to remain in a familiar environment that prioritizes comfort, familiarity, and personalized care. 

Families are assured their loved ones receive the attention they need through professional caregivers who provide personalized care. The following are some major advantages of home care for patients with dementia.

1. Personalized Care: In-home care services in Cuyahoga county are tailored to fit the unique needs of each individual. Caregivers provide one-on-one attention, ensuring that all personal and medical needs are met.
2. Comfort and Familiarity: Staying at home means being in a familiar environment, surrounded by personal belongings and memories. This familiarity can reduce anxiety and confusion.
3. Flexibility and Control: Families have the flexibility to create a care plan that fits their loved one's needs. They can also make adjustments as the condition progresses.
4. Family Involvement: In-home care allows family members to be actively involved in the care process. They can spend more time with their loved ones and ensure their care preferences are taken into account.
5. Improved Quality of Life: In-home care focuses on the overall well-being of the patient. Caregivers not only assist with daily tasks but also provide companionship and emotional support, helping to reduce feelings of isolation.

Your key Takeaways

Providing dementia patients with in-home care involves a lot of things from developing day routines, to engaging them in fun activities. Doing simple acts like this can dramatically improve their quality of life and provide them with a sense of stability and security. 

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're looking for great in-home care services for your loved ones, BrightStar Care® offers professionals to support you every step of the way. Interested in learning more? 

Reach out to us on our website or contact us at (440) 613-1500 today to learn how we can assist you in caring for your loved one.