Providing care for loved ones living with dementia is a significant responsibility. When caregivers are also spouses or older adults, it’s not uncommon for their own physical or mental health to decline.
Memory care offers many advantages, but the primary caregiver’s own decreased capability may precede the decision to move into a community. Whether it’s the development of a chronic condition or the exhaustion that can occur from around-the-clock attention, caregivers often need help and care themselves.
Care for the Dementia Caregiver: Daily Anxiety
Everyone experiences stress, but living with daily anxiety can impact an individual’s physical and emotional health. While the familiar fight- or- flight response can be a helpful reaction at times, preventative steps should be taken if it persists.
According to the National Council on Aging, there are a few common triggers for stress in the older adult:
- Chronic illness
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Loss and grief
- Loneliness or boredom
- Financial worries
- Major life changes
Care for the Dementia Caregiver: Signs of Stress
Family and friends will want to be aware of not only the care and quality of life for the individual living with dementia, but also the caregiver. The following are a few noticeable signs that the caregiver is beginning to feel overwhelmed.
- Headaches
- Digestive issues
- Irritability
- Heart palpitations
- Sleep disturbances
- Poor concentration
- Crying
- Social withdrawal
Care for the Dementia Caregiver: Finding Ways to Relieve Stress
While it’s important to note the impact that stress from caregiving can cause, there are also steps that can be taken to achieve relief.
- Encourage open and honest discussions about the situation
- Arrange for additional support, even if for only a few hours daily
- Assist in providing healthy meals during the week
- Help the caregiver get a good night’s sleep a few nights a week
- Arrange for respite at a care community so the caregiver can tend to other responsibilities or take a well-earned vacation
- Consider a memory care community for improved quality of life for the individual and the caregiver
Care for the Dementia Caregiver: The Benefits of a Memory Care Community
Many families turn to a Memory Care or Memory Support community when the cognitive disease has progressed. Remaining at home may no longer be the best or safest choice—or the health of the caregiver may require attention.
Understanding the advantages of a memory care community can make it easier for families to ensure that both the individual and the caregiver are supported in living their best lives. The benefits include:
1. Special trained staff that are available around-the-clock
Memory care staff receive special training in caring for and responding to residents living with cognitive impairment. Available 24/7, your loved one will have continuous access to assistance.
2. A residence and community designed to provide a comfortable home environment
Memory care communities carefully design the residences and common areas to promote orientation and to help the residents feel safe and at home.
3. Support with daily tasks such as dressing, grooming and managing medications
Staff also provide daily support for the residents and understand if there might be certain triggers to behaviors.
4. Activities and therapies customized to fit your loved one’s needs
Each individual can respond to dementia differently. You’ll find memory care communities tailor their programs and activities to meet a resident’s preferences and abilities.
5. Healthy dining and environment encouraging nutrition and self-reliance
Your loved one will be escorted to the dining room and will receive any assistance needed. Dinnerware and utensils are modified to support those living with dementia. Finger foods or other options may be included to promote self-reliance.
6. Opportunities to interact socially with other residents
Those who live with dementia at home may become isolated, but social interaction is still important. Memory care communities provide many opportunities to connect with the other residents and staff.
7. Community and residence designed for safety and security
Communities promote a resident’s freedom of movement between areas. You’ll discover secured outdoor courtyards that allow residents to go outside or back inside without feeling restricted.
8. Support for the family and primary caregiver
Dementia has a significant impact on the family as well as the individual. Memory care communities extend their support, provide suggestions and share information that can help everyone who is traveling this road.
Memory Support at Presbyterian Village North
At Presbyterian Village North, we support both the individual and the family as they navigate the dementia journey.
We focus on the quality of life for our residents with a staff specially trained in the best practices of dementia care. Residents make their homes in private apartments while benefiting from the daily interactions with others and participating in our exercise, music, art and cognitive therapies.
With outdoor seating and dining possibilities, our secure garden courtyard and protected walking paths encourage our residents to venture outside while remaining safe from wandering.
We also provide the following services:
- Licensed nursing staff on site 24/7
- Medication administration
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Chef-prepared cuisine
- Special activities and social programs
- Access to a full continuum of care
Presbyterian Village North is a compassionate resource for your loved one and your family. Please call (800) 400-4130 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personal visit to our community.