Dementia is a brain disorder affecting memory, thinking, behavior and language. It is the most common cause of disability in older people.

Dementia care is a comprehensive approach to helping people with dementia to live as well as possible, within the boundaries of their current level of care. It includes a range of interventions that can be delivered by a range of service providers.

Dementia care aims to help people maintain as much independence and quality of life as possible from the time they are diagnosed with dementia until their death.

Teepa Snow, the CEO and Founder of Positive Approach to Care, is a leading educator in the field of dementia care and provides quality training to home care agencies across the nation. Her Dementia Care Training is not just for the staff who are going to be working with people with dementia in their day-to-day lives. Those who work in facilities or group homes, or in any setting where people with dementia live and interact, will also benefit from this course.

If you want to learn more about Dementia Care Training and how it can benefit you personally and professionally, you can check out her class lists via Care Academy. Information is readily available about what to do, how it works, and what benefits it offers caregivers and their loved ones.

We are all affected by this disease, so we need to take responsibility for our well-being and that of those around us. If we have caregivers taking care of our loved ones so they can be at home while they are still able to function, then that is wonderful. But if they are having a hard time with the disease and struggling with it themselves, then it can become very difficult for them as well.

Here are Some Tips for Everyday Care for People With Dementia

• Maintain a daily routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating in a coordinated manner.
• Write down the person’s to-do list, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar.
• Make sure you plan activities that the individual enjoys and schedule them at the same time every day.
• It may be helpful to create a system or reminders to assist those who must take medications regularly.
• Whenever possible, let the person help with dressing or bathing.
• Rather than using shoelaces, buttons, or buckles, buy clothing that fits loosely, is comfortable, and is easy to use.
• To prevent falls, use a sturdy shower chair to support an unsteady person. Shower chairs are available at a drugstore or a medical supply store.
• Make sure you are gentle and respectful. During the process of bathing or dressing, explain what you are going to do step-by-step to the person.
• You should serve meals in a familiar, consistent place and allow enough time for the person to eat.

Taking Care of Yourself as a Caregiver

The added stress of caring for a loved one with Dementia can take a toll on your health as well. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities, it may be time to seek some support from family or friends.

If you’re the caregiver, it’s crucial to take care of yourself to stay healthy and mentally alert. Try these tips:

• Get plenty of sleep — at least eight hours.
• Eat right – eat balanced meals every day that include lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly — at least 30 minutes daily on most days of the week.
• Take breaks from time to time if you need them.
• Seek out help from others when you need it.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other family members, friends, or even neighbors if you feel overwhelmed by the task at hand.
• Spend time with your loved ones and enjoy their company as much as possible!
• Try meditating. Meditation may reduce blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, according to research.
• To cope with stress and anxiety, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Consult your doctor about treatment options.
• You can join an online or in-person caregiver support group. You will be able to share stories and ideas with other caregivers, which can keep you from feeling isolated.

Caregiving for an elderly person with dementia is possible. As such, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself in advance, learn about the different forms of dementia care, and arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible so that you are better prepared to handle the situation when it does arise.