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Essential Suggestions For Looking After Dementia Sufferers

22nd May, 2012 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Dementia is a mental disorder that affects memory, learning skills and communication and ability. This condition occurs because brain cells have been affected by trauma or by disease. Such people often cannot take care of themselves and require help.

These people require constant attention so that they don’t injure others or themselves. Without someone to help them, they are often unable to even eat a meal or dress by themselves. This should be considered by caregivers in order to cope with dementia patients.

A patient can be threatened even by the normal environment in the house. However, a few adjustments and the use of common sense can go a long way in rectifying this situation. Potentially dangerous objects such as sharp tools or household chemicals should be well out of reach. Put in rails in the bedroom and bathroom, and ensure that the patients cannot lock themselves into any of the rooms. Make sure they carry identification on their person in case they decide to wander.

Because they feel so inadequate, they tend to vent their frustration on the people around them. Help them diplomatically so that they don’t feel so inadequate. Hectic activity levels or heightened noise can upset these patients so send those noisy kids outside to play. Confusion can also be avoided by helping the patient to follow a fixed daily routine with a minimum of disruption. Encourage patients to take their minds off their ailments through the development of hobbies – head to dementia care homes for added advice relating to this area.

There is little doubt that caring for a person with dementia places an enormous emotional and physical burden on people providing care. Ask friends or relatives to help you occasionally so that you can take a welcome respite from your daily care. There are many organisations that exist to help care for dementia patients can you should try and enlist in one.