Christmas is a period of sharing, socializing, and spending quality time with those close to you, including neighbors, friends, and relatives. Having a senior at home is fun. They share their experiences, making the end-of-year holiday more enjoyable. Nonetheless, dementia is one of the conditions affecting senior citizens in Greater League City - Galveston, TX, meaning they need appropriate support to live their lives to the fullest.
Understanding the necessary help can be tricky, especially for first-time adult children with a parent living with dementia. The information in this article will guide such kids on how best they can help their parents for a smooth holiday for the entire family.
1. Creating and Maintaining a Detailed Routine
One of the top dementia signs and symptoms is memory loss, especially regarding keeping up with activities of daily living. Creating a routine and sticking to it is the best way to support an elderly loved one and remind them what they're supposed to do and at what time.
The first items to include in a routine are taking a shower, meal times, and taking any prescribed medications. The general rule here is to ensure the parent indulges in all the activities on their routine at the same time every day. Changing the timing can affect their minds and worsen their condition.
2. Indulge Them in Enjoyable Activities
Everyone has activities that boost their moods, and persons over the age of 65 living with dementia aren't an exception. Some enjoyable tasks that seniors can indulge in during Christmas include visiting the park, watching an exciting movie, taking a walk along Lake Jackson, and playing holiday-themed games.
Nevertheless, the children must ensure they accompany their parents living with dementia in all the fun activities they indulge in. Additionally, they should participate in these activities at the same time every day.
3. Create a To-Do List
This is specifically essential for kids who've been away from their parents and are at home for the Christmas holiday. However, they may have their senior loved one's schedules, appointments, and events, making it easier to record them in a notebook and mark the calendar. Utility bill due dates are another essential item that adult children shouldn't leave behind when creating a to-do list. The utility bill due dates for Bay City differ from League City, making it necessary to consult with the local authorities.
4. Work on Communication Skills
Communication is vital when caring for and supporting a senior living with dementia. The way children communicate with their parents matters a lot. There are some essential skills to focus on for effective communication. Such may include putting in some humor, conveying a positive mood, distracting and redirecting when they get bored with a conversation, and reminding them of some sentimental and fond memories they share with the other family members.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a loved one living with dementia has several significant responsibilities. We understand that here at Senior Helpers Greater League City - Galveston, TX, more than anyone else. We individualize our services to cater to specific needs. If you're a resident in Dickinson, Lake Jackson, or Dayton, don't hesitate to contact Senior Helpers Greater League City - Galveston, TX today for the best advice, guidance, and support regarding supporting an elderly loved one living with dementia.