Dementia Care That Minimizes Disruption to Daily Life
The best dementia care for patients will give them a calm and structured environment, patient and compassionate communication, independence and purpose, and relief for their loved ones. Parkview on Hollybrook in Longview, TX, gives seniors all of these things.
The National Institutes of Health states that dementia affects more than 6 million Americans and accounts for more than 100,000 deaths each year. The number of new dementia cases per year is also expected to double by 2060, so there's a real health crisis on our hands.
While you can't prevent or cure dementia, you can certainly receive quality care to ensure optimal cognitive health and comfort.
So what can you expect of dementia care at Parkview on Hollybrook in Longview, TX?
What Is the Best Care for Dementia Patients?
It's not easy living with a loved one who has dementia, and it can be a struggle to take care of both them and yourself. Here are the things they need to thrive.
Maintain a Calm and Structured Environment
One of the most important things that a loved one with dementia needs is a stable and calm environment. There should be minimal background noise and distractions, as this can help them feel safer and focus better.
The Alzheimer Society says that you should also set dementia-friendly routines. When every day is predictable, your beloved senior won't be as anxious or confused.
Communicate With Patience and Compassion
Communication becomes increasingly challenging as dementia progresses, so patience is absolutely vital. You should speak slowly and clearly while using simple sentences, and allow your loved one plenty of time to process and respond.
You should also:
- Maintain eye contact
- Use gentle facial expressions
- Listen attentively to both words and body language
Encourage Independence and Purpose
You can empower your loved one by allowing them to do as much as they can for themselves. Depending on how far the disease has progressed, they may still be able to do simple and safe activities such as:
- Folding laundry
- Watering plants
- Setting the table
Seek Support and Take Care of Yourself
Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically draining. If you're running on empty, how can you take care of others?
This is why self-care and support are essential. Don't feel guilty about prioritizing your own health and wellness, as this will enable you to care for your beloved senior better.
What Are Three Things to Never Do With Your Loved One With Dementia?
We often talk about what we should do with seniors who have dementia, but what about the things that we shouldn't do?
There are three main ones. The first is to never argue or try to correct their memory. Doing so can lead to more confusion and frustration, so instead, you should validate their feelings and gently redirect the conversation.
The second is to never speak to them like they're a child. You should always use respectful, adult communication, as this can preserve their dignity and self-worth.
Lastly, you should never ignore or dismiss their emotions. Even if what they're saying is illogical, their feelings are real. You should therefore respond with empathy and reassurance.
Avoiding these three things will help you create a supportive environment that promotes trust, calmness, and emotional security.
How Parkview on Hollybrook Provides Dementia Care
There's no shame in seeking out memory care services for your loved one. Not only does this ensure that they get the proper care they need, but it also gives families peace of mind.
This is how life at Parkview on Hollybrook looks for dementia care residents.
Private Apartments
For transitional memory support, we have private apartments designed for senior living here. There are two floor plans: one is a studio, 1-bathroom, and the other is a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment.
Certified Memory Care Program
Residents benefit from our exclusive SHINE® Memory Care program. We have a specially trained Alzheimer's care team, and we have specifically tailored care plans for each resident to make sure their needs and abilities are accommodated.
Our staff members will also ensure that residents receive daily structure in care.
Amenities and Activities
Our amenities and activities are designed to optimize cognitive health. They can be done in either one-on-one or group settings, depending on the senior's preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Best Way to Help Someone With Dementia?
The best way to help someone with dementia is to offer consistent emotional support, patience, and structure. What's best is to establish a daily routine so there's less confusion and anxiety. The senior also needs a calm environment that's free from unnecessary noise or clutter.
When you communicate, it should be simple, with clear and short sentences. Support every interaction with empathy and reassurance, rather than correction.
If possible, encourage independence whenever you can. Let them participate in daily tasks, even if it takes more time.
What Are the 4 Rs of Dementia Care?
The 4 Rs of dementia care are guiding principles that allow for effective caregiving. They are:
- Reassure: Focus on calming anxiety through gentle communication and validating feelings.
- Reorient: Subtly help the person reconnect with their surroundings or situation.
- Redirect: Shift attention away from confusion or agitation toward a comforting activity.
- Reminisce: Encourage positive memory recall by discussing familiar people, events, or items from the past.
What Is the Hardest Part of Dementia Care?
The hardest part of dementia care is coping with the emotional toll. It can be difficult to watch your loved one's personality, memory, and independence fade away. Also, managing challenging symptoms can lead to both physical and emotional exhaustion.
Many caregivers experience isolation or burnout if they don't have adequate support, so it's important to do self-care.
Receive Quality Dementia Care at Our Community
If your loved one needs quality dementia care, they'll definitely get it at Parkview on Hollybrook. We take a personalized approach to support each individual's unique needs, and every resident is monitored by our caring staff members.
Plus, we have plenty of activities and amenities, which will keep your loved one engaged!
To learn more about memory care in Longview, TX, contact us today. Parkview on Hollybrook is nationally recognized by the Alzheimer's Association® for our approach to senior living memory care.