In-Home Elderly Care For Seniors With Dementia

Seniors with dementia or other types of cognitive deficits should not live alone. If your loved one is resistant to relocating to a long-term care facility, consider an in-home elderly care provider. Whether you choose a caregiver who "comes and goes" or who is a "live-in," he or she will help your elderly loved one so that his or her golden years can be enjoyed. Here are some ways in-home elderly caregivers can assist seniors with dementia.

Clothing Choices

Seniors with dementia are sometimes unable to choose the appropriate clothing. They may wear mismatched shoes and socks, or they may even choose to wear summer clothes during the winter months.

The caregiver does not have to choose the clothing for the aging adult to wear. Instead, the caregiver can pick out a few appropriate outfits and allow the senior to choose from those. It is important that seniors with dementia be given choices because it makes them feel more independent and helps preserve their confidence and self-esteem. The caregiver can also help your senior loved one get dressed. People with cognitive deficits may forget how to tie their shoes, button a shirt, or zip up a jacket. 

Promote Socialization

Aging adults with dementia may become socially isolated, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and changes in sleep patterns. Elderly caregivers provide seniors with companionship, and they can also schedule outings so that the elderly individual can engage with others. Even if the outing is only a quick trip to the grocery store or a walk around the block, getting out in the fresh air and seeing people helps lift the mood in seniors who are depressed.

Caregivers can also accompany older adults with dementia to senior citizen centers so that they can socialize with their peers. Senior centers offer various activities such as dance classes, crafts, cooking demonstrations, music performances, and movies.

They also schedule pet visits on a regular basis. Pet therapy allows seniors to connect with animals. This is thought to help lower blood pressure, regulate the heart rate, release "feel-good" brain chemicals into the bloodstream, and even reduce the perception of pain. If the caregiver is willing to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet, consider getting your loved one a dog or cat. 

To learn more about how a caregiver can help enhance the life of your senior loved one with dementia, call an agency that provides elderly care in your area to learn more about the services and payment requirements.

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