When a spouse begins to develop the symptoms of dementia, it can be difficult to juggle everything that changes around your home. Suddenly things aren't as easy to manage as they were in the past. Your loved one's memories and behaviors are changing, and it can be more difficult to interact with them. There are services that can help your family as you deal with this issue, however, and there are ways that you can assist your partner.
You can help your partner in the following ways:
Learn New Communication Skills
If your spouse has been diagnosed with dementia, you may notice that they don't communicate with you the same way that they used to. They may forget things, repeat themselves, or seem more irritable than they did previously. It's important that you understand that these are symptoms, not an effort to be mean to you or to annoy you. It's also important that you work with your partner's team of professionals to discuss communication skills that may help them keep their symptoms under control. For example, you may need to avoid talking about specific topics in the evening, when they are more forgetful. You may need new methods of remembering household tasks, having conversations, and celebrating special occasions. You can learn all of these skills, with assistance.
Arrange for Support for Yourself
Caring for a loved one with dementia isn't easy. Caregiver burnout is a very real issue, and many individuals that care for their partners full time find themselves overwhelmed. If you'll be taking care of your loved one, it's important that you arrange for support for yourself, as well. Consider joining a support group, signing up for therapy, and making appointments to get out of the house regularly with friends or family members. This type of social support is vitally important as you act as a caregiver to your partner.
Consider Outsourcing Some Tasks
As you care for your loved one, you may realize that there are simply too many tasks for you to handle. If you find yourself in this situation, it may be time to consider hiring someone to assist you as you run the household. Hiring a home healthcare provider to help with tasks specific to your partner's care may free you up to enjoy more time relaxing with them. Alternatively, you could hire someone to help with daily living tasks such as light housekeeping. Either way, the extra assistance can go a long way towards helping things feel more manageable.
If your partner is suffering from dementia, it may be time to reach out for assistance. Contact the skilled professionals at Like Family Home Care. We'll provide you with a list of services we offer and discuss the options that may work best for your individual situation.
