Hi lovelies,
Memory loss can be a condition of many different age-related neurological conditions such as alzheimers or dementia, but no matter what the cause is, it can be difficult to help a relative through it. You’ll learn a great amount of patience and care born from the love you have for them, but it’s important to recognize the limitations of your assistance and when you should call in help.
First is diagnosing the issue, which only a doctor, psychologist and qualified specific professional will be able to do. You may also need to assist with various daily measures such as ironing out their schedule, ensuring their living situation is correctly calibrated for their needs, and more than ever, letting htem know you’re here to help no matter what.
With this in mind, please consider some tips to help you through this tough time.
Keep A Consistent Presence With Relatives Helping
There are many small worries and concerns someone with memory loss will go through, adn that’s why a regular presence can be one of the most comforting things to offer. It doesn’t mean hours every day, necessarily spent by their side, although that can be reassuring if you can give it, but you’ll often find predictability better than duration. For instance, calling at the same time each morning or showing up for a weekly lunch can offer an anchor for them.
It also helps to keep consistency between relatives, too, so if one family member is focused on medication, another might handle finances, but everyone can be in the loop. Not just to reduce confusion in the family, but to keep that shared support structure clear and reliable for them too.
Understand & Research The Condition
It’s not always obvious what someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s is experiencing, especially early on. Unfortunately assumptions, however well-meant they might be, can lead to frustration on both sides. It’s good to not just assume what it is and understand the very many expressions it can have. That can teach you how it might progress, and the symptoms that tend to come and go can change how you respond entirely.
Forgetting a name isn’t the same as forgetting a person for example, so it’s not worth worrying over every single sign. Not recognizing the day doesn’t mean they don’t feel the passage of time either. As you can see, knowing these tidbits can help you avoid making assumptions that impede your ability to care and understand. Some families find that researching together helps, and it can help bring you together in the early days.
Speak To Appropriate Live-In Facilities Designed To Assist
There might come a point where the lovely care you give just isn’t quite enough, and that’s not an indictment of you. It’s a moment that can be hard to reach, not just logistically but emotionally, because it feels like a shift. But choosing the right setting can also mean better care, better comfort, and a better day-to-day life for the person you’re supporting.
Some facilities are specifically shaped around memory care, and they build that into everything, such as from how the spaces are designed to how staff are trained to respond in moments of confusion. The Atrium at Rocky Hill is one such example, where the entire approach centers around dignity, familiarity, and attentive care.
With this advice, you’re sure to better help a loved one, even if they’re showing signs of memory loss.
