How to Enhance Quality of Life for an Elderly Loved One with Dementia

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Enhancing Quality of Life for an Older Loved One with Dementia in Winnipeg, MB

Millions of elderly people live with dementia. This disease causes seniors a variety of problems when they engage in their daily activities. In turn, such complications can lead to cognitive decline. Expert studies have shown that a senior with dementia’s quality of life is often at the heart of the problem, which is why it’s critical to build up and maintain seniors’ living conditions and perspective on life in general. The following are some ways to boost quality of life for seniors with dementia.

Encourage Exercise

Regular exercise is crucial, especially in the senior years. Seniors with dementia in particular need steady doses of exercise. They’ll be able to stay independent longer and more efficiently perform daily tasks, which can enhance their state of mind as well as their physical health. Exercise can also diminish the risk of injury. Additionally, seniors with dementia receive more opportunities to engage in social activities when they exercise, and they can boost their self-esteem and confidence while also slowing down mental deterioration. The type of exercise shouldn’t be too rigorous and could include such things as swimming, dancing, gardening, bowling, performing tai chi, walking, and doing housework.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Winnipeg seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.

Play Music

Music is a good form of therapy because the pleasant sounds help seniors develop and enhance memory and mood. Music can also relieve pain or make it easier to manage. The type of music should be customized to your loved one’s tastes, so it’s best to consult with him or her beforehand.

Try Pet Therapy

Pets can provide a good source of mental therapy as your loved one relates to animals that aren’t going to judge or pressure him or her. Spending time with a pet may give your loved one the emotional support he or she needs, and it may also lead to increased physical activity and better communication.

Promote Social Activities

Seniors with dementia must be able to maintain social interaction with other people. Studies have shown that lack of human interaction can cause loneliness and decreasing cognitive abilities. Any kind of human conversation naturally stimulates the mind and can have positive mental and physical results. As your loved one becomes more social, he or she will be better able to do more things and should have better nutrition and communication habits.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care Winnipeg, MB, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Provide Healthy Food and Drink

It’s a good idea to have a pleasant and orderly environment during mealtimes. Your loved one should be eating with others to foster a sufficient amount of social interaction. Get to know some of your loved one’s favorite healthy foods and add other nutritious food to his or her diet. Serve smaller portions to make it easier for your loved one to get the proper amount of food throughout each day.

Create a Calm Environment

Some actions or noises can cause alarm in seniors with dementia. You should clear the environment of things that make sudden noises (e.g., chimes, bells, and the like) or visually stimulating items like mirrors and televisions if you happen to notice that any of these things upset your loved one. Also, you should schedule calming activities, such as meditation, yoga, or reading, for your loved one to maintain more positive moods and behavior.
Highly trained caregivers with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Winnipeg elder care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000.

Related posts:

  1. 6 Ways to Enhance Communication with a Parent Who Has Dementia
  2. How Resilience Can Boost Older Adults’ Quality of Life
  3. What Should the Doctor Check if My Elderly Loved One Falls?
  4. How Can You Stop Dementia from Progressing?

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