Improving the Quality of Life for Dementia Patients

Living with dementia can be challenging, not only for the affected individuals but also for their loved ones and caregivers. However, implementing simple strategies can make a significant difference in enhancing their overall well-being and happiness. In this article, Home to Stay will unveil practical tips that have proven to be beneficial in providing comfort, stimulation, and support to those navigating this difficult journey.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Providing a space that promotes security and reduces anxiety can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia. To create a safe living space, you must adapt the living space to meet their needs:

• Remove any potential hazards such as sharp objects or tripping hazards from their surroundings.
• Arrange furniture in a way that allows for easy navigation and clear pathways, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Incorporate familiar elements (e.g. family photos or cherished possessions) into their environment to evoke positive memories and help alleviate anxiety.
• Ensure there is ample natural light during the day but avoid harsh lighting at night, which can cause disorientation.
• Gentle background music or calming nature sounds have shown to reduce agitation while providing a soothing atmosphere for patients.

Encouraging Social Interactions

Social interaction is extremely important, especially for those who are living with dementia. Dr. Lisa Berkman of Harvard University conducted a study that found that individuals who were socially active experienced less decline in memory.

Set up a cozy area where family members and friends can visit their loved one, encouraging conversations, storytelling sessions, or even simple activities like puzzles or board games. Other activities like gardening, cooking, art projects, or listening to music also create opportunities to promote social connections. 

Adding regular gatherings to their routine such as weekly movie nights or Sunday brunches not only provides structure but also gives everyone something enjoyable to look forward to. If in-person interactions with family and friends are not possible given their current situation, utilize technology to help them stay engaged through video calls, communication apps, and online communities.

Providing Proper Nutrition and Hydration

Regular, nutritious meals may become a challenge for people living in the middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s. They may become overwhelmed with too many food choices, forget to eat or think they have already eaten. Providing a balanced diet with a variety of foods; limiting foods with high saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium; and cutting down on refined sugars can all help boost the person with dementia’s health. 

In addition, make mealtimes easier and more comfortable by limiting distractions, keeping the table setting simple, serving finger foods, remaining flexible with food preferences, and allowing plenty of time to eat.

When it comes to hydration, ensure the person with dementia is drinking enough as they may not be able to communicate or recognize that they’re thirsty. Remember: these individuals may be less able or likely to get themselves a drink, and simply placing a drink in front of someone doesn’t always mean they will drink it.

Engaging in Stimulating Activities

Stimulating activities provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment and also serve as a powerful tool for maintaining cognitive functions. When choosing an activity, keep your loved one’s skills and abilities in mind.

Find an enjoyable activity that builds on their abilities and focuses on having a good time, not achievement. Some ideas include painting, listening and singing along to music, crafts, scrapbooking, organizing items, cooking, doing puzzles, playing games, and cleaning the house.

Maintaining Physical Health

Regular exercise boosts long-term health in seniors, improving balance, elevating mood and reducing anxiety or depression, preventing future diseases and injuries, making aging bodies stronger and more self-sufficient, and even enhancing cognitive function. Integrating activities such as walking, stretching, or even dancing into daily routines can provide immense joy and help maintain mobility.

By implementing these five tips, Home to Stay can provide better care and support for your loved ones living with dementia. All of our caregivers are trained and experienced in caring for those affected by declining cognitive function. We offer dementia care, companion care, care management services, and more to help your loved one live safely and comfortably at home. To learn more, please fill out this short form or call us at 856-321-1500.