Whether your aging parent is dealing with memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease, or has another health condition that impacts their memory retention or recall, this type of diminished cognitive functioning it can be very difficult for them. Memory loss can quickly lead to a sense of lost independence, which can diminish mental and emotional health and well-being, quality of life, and overall functioning. Simply because your parent is dealing with memory loss, however, does not mean they need to feel as though they have lost their independence. There are many ways you as their family caregiver can support their sense of independence, and help them to continue living a high quality of life as they age in place.
Use these tips to help a senior with memory loss maintain their independence:
- Consider elderly care. Though this may seem as though it will take your parent's independence even more, having an elderly home care services provider in the home with them can actually help your parent to preserve more of their independence. This care provider can modify tasks to help your parent participate in them, provide transportation to help them run their own errands, and encourage them to participate in more activities and experiences
- Give instructions. Your parent may no longer remember how to handle basic tasks throughout the home, or may get confused more frequently. This can make them feel as though they are no longer able to handle things such as doing laundry, washing the dishes, or using technology throughout the home. Write out clear instructions for each task throughout the home, laminate them, and post them in a place that is easy for your parent to find. This way they can follow the instructions and handle tasks more effectively on their own
- Write them a schedule. Having a set schedule and routine is extremely beneficial for a senior who is dealing with memory loss. Doing the same tasks in the same order each day helps to provide a sense of security, supports memory, and allows your parent to self-start these tasks. Write out their routine and place it where it is easy to find in case they need to reference it. Remember to include tasks such as caring for pets they have, bringing in the mail, and even calling you
- Equip them with technology. A voice recorder can be an exceptional tool for a senior with memory loss. Simply being able to record a reminder to themselves allows them to stay on track, remember things they might have struggled with, and keep up with their own life more. Another easy piece of technology is an alarm. They can set a timer to remind them about food cooking, laundry washing, the dishwasher, a favorite show, or anything else they might forget
If you have been looking for ways to enhance your parents quality of life, help them to manage their health challenges and other limitations, boost their mental and emotional health, and encourage them to live a more fulfilling life, now may be the ideal time for you to consider elderly care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your parent on a schedule that is right not only for your parent's individual needs and challenges, but also for the level of care you already give him or her. This can give you tremendous peace of mind as their family caregiver by reassuring you your senior will be in good hands both when you are able to be with them, and when you are not.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Leslie, MI, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors of Lansing. Call today: 517-332-9953.