Tips For Caring For Your Loved One With Dementia

Our guest, Katharine J. Richards, has a few tips for caring for your loved one with Dementia.

1. Try not to argue or correct things they do or say. It frustrates them and they may not remember anyway. Sometimes what works best is to pretend that you misunderstood: “Oh, I thought you had said you wanted scrambled eggs. My mistake.”

2. Install safety/chain locks where they can’t reach them to prevent wandering out of the home.

3. Put up reminders/big print notes in places where they are likely to look, such as doors and the refrigerator. For example: “Your juice is in the blue container on the top shelf in the front with your name on it.” Or “Today we are going to the heart doctor after lunch.”

4. Make sure to remove all tripping hazards such as area rugs, and make clear pathways around the home. Install safety features like grab bars, raised toilet seats, transfer bench in the tub, handheld shower attachment, childproof locks for cleaning supply and medicine cabinets, stove guards.

5. Try to have them exercise/walk every day. Engage in stimulating activity so that they have a better chance of maintaining the proper day/night routine.

6. See a therapist or join a support group. It is important to take care of yourself so that you can provide the best care for your loved one.

7. Make sure to have proper legal documents/planning in place before they can no longer sign.

About the Author

Katharine J. Richards, Esq., is the managing partner at The Law Offices of Katharine J. Richards, P.C., located in Garden City, New York, where she devotes her practice to Elder Law, Estate Planning, Asset Protection Planning, Estate Administration, Guardianship and Medicaid.

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Medical House Calls With Compassion is an organization of healthcare providers focused on providing in-house care for patients that cannot leave their homes. We bring the office to you in the belief that every individual deserves proper care and respect.

We treat patients between the ages of 18 and 114 years. Specializing in chronic conditions, we also focus on preventative care! We care for patients with dementia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ALS, diabetes, high blood pressure, lung diseases, obesity, infections, and much more.

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