Understanding Dementia and How it Affects Your Aging Loved One - Specialized Senior Home Healthcare Available in Oakvill

1. Understanding Dementia and How it Affects Your Aging Loved One - Specialized Senior Home Healthcare Available in Oakville, Burlington It is difficult to watch loved ones struggling with deteriorating mental and physical conditions. Taking care of your senior family members diagnosed with dementia is not an easy task. It is likely to have its effects on your time and well being as a caregiver too. Dementia affects the patient’s behaviour, gradually ebbing away the essence of one’s personality. An estimated 564,000 Canadians were living with dementia as of 2016, a number that continues to rise. There are many specialized healthcare services available to help take care of affected seniors. That, however, does not take away the emotional and physical challenge of caring for family members with cognitive impairment. Transferring patients to a professional care facility need not be the only option. We offer reliable senior home healthcare services in Oakville and Burlington that can help you look after your loved one in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Care provided in familiar surroundings will make the patient feel emotionally secure and give you the satisfaction of doing your best to support your loved one. What is Dementia and How to Cope with it: •About Dementia - Dementia is a general term used to identify a set of symptoms affecting the function of the brain. It is an irreversible and progressive disorder, which means it gets worse with time. It can be caused by other ailments such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Timely diagnosis can help you lessen the effects from diseases that can be treated, such as vitamin deficiencies and thyroid problems. You can plan ahead with adequate support and help in your caregiving responsibilities for your senior who may be suffering from dementia. •Changes to Expect – Dementia is marked by distinctive deterioration of the patient’s cognitive skills and behaviour, such as memory loss, inability to think and communicate effectively. These changes reduce the ability to perform regular chores, including taking care of their personal hygiene. •Basics of Dementia Care - Taking care of seniors with dementia requires professional training and expertise which can be provided

2. by our specialized healthcare services in Oakville and Burlington. Even with assistance, it is important for you to adopt the right strategies to make the patient feel comfortable. •Make Communication Easier– The inability to communicate is one of the grave consequences of being affected by dementia. Adopt a simple communication style that will help you deal with the situation gently. Here are a few ways to do so: 1.Show affection in your words and action. Always speak in a friendly and engaging tone. 2.Speak slowly and clearly, using short, simple sentences. 3.Take cues from the patient’s body language and try to understand what they are trying to communicate through their actions. 4.Before starting a conversation, make sure you have the person’s full attention and remove distractions. 5.Use visual cues where possible. •Provide Reassurance - Play familiar music and games so your loved ones can relax and be at ease. Avoid stressful situations by using reassuring words that will comfort them. Take them for nature walks in the beautiful parks around your neighbourhood in Oakville and Burlington that the patient is familiar with.