Caregiver guidance for helping those with cognitive decline
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Sun, 09/25/2022 - 2:27pm
“It takes a village.”
It’s a phrase often used when referring to raising children, but in reality, having a village is a lifelong need. That village becomes vital once a loved one starts showing signs of cognitive decline or receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Because once someone begins that journey, it requires those closest to them to pull together to help them on that path.
Keeping that loved one with cognitive decline involved and included in conversations is an important way of helping them maintain their relationships and sense of belonging.
As a caregiver for someone living with cognitive decline, even mild decline or mild cognitive impairment, it means making some adjustments to how you relate to your loved one, as well as helping those in your village undertake those changes as well.
Here are three ways caregivers and loved ones can help someone living with cognitive decline remain a vital part of conversations and gatherings:
• Minimize distractions in their company
When you’re having a conversation, turn off the TV, radio or any music that may be playing. Allow the focus to be on the conversation. It will help build connection and a sense of their own value.
• Stay upbeat
It can be difficult watching a loved one struggle to remember names, details or shared memories. That said, they’ll be able to pick up on any sadness, frustration or negativity through your facial expressions and body language. Always try to focus on the positive.
• Recognize when a break would be welcome
If you sense frustration creeping in, change the topic in conversation, or suggest a different activity – maybe a walk or a change of location. You can even just lean in for a hug or take their hand. Small gestures can bring big feelings of support.
Those adjustments can have a big effect on the well-being of your loved one as they strive to remain a vital part of their village.
Here at Carson Tahoe Expressions Memory Care, we have resources available to help you and your loved one through the journey of cognitive decline, and our team is here to be part of your village.
At our website, you can download a free guide that covers a wide variety of topics related to cognitive health, including information about the different stages of memory loss, advice for those living with cognitive decline and their caregivers, tips on tending to mental health, cognitive assessments, memory games and much more.
To download our free guide to cognitive health, visit prestigecanhelp.com.
Here at Carson Tahoe Expressions Memory Care, residents lead an active, fulfilling life as we provide the latest and most advanced forms of support with our award-winning wellness program Expressions.
For more about our programming or our community, visit prestigecare.com/CarsonTahoeExpressions or call us at (775) 443-4900 to schedule your visit.
