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All Posts in Category: Dementia

Coping with Emotional Aspects of Dementia

smiling-senior

Individuals suffering from dementia must cope with many changes at once including declining cognitive abilities, memory loss, and impaired communication skills. Knowing that one may experience these vast changes at an unpredictable rate can provoke anxiety, fear, and feelings of helplessness. In order for patients to maintain a good quality of life, it is essential to address unresolved feelings.

Those with Alzheimer’s face crucial and stressful decisions concerning their care. Considerations such as how to preserve physical health and independence can potentially lead to tension between patients and their caregivers. The course of action taken by family members and physicians may differ from the wishes of the person with dementia. This process can be overwhelming, emotionally draining, and humiliating for the patient. In order to avoid negative emotions and reactions, patients need a coping strategy with different outlets to express emotions.

Discussing feelings with a confidant is one of the best ways to help sort out emotions. Simply sharing worries with a loved one can immediately alleviate a sense of helplessness and provide comfort. Maintaining relationships and having a social life makes patients feel less alone. Being connected to other individuals suffering from the disease allows patients to feel supported and understood. Continuing to take part in enjoyable activities – walking, listening to music, gardening, painting, or other physical or creative interests – can also be tremendously beneficial in reducing stress and coping with burdens. The resonating idea is that dementia patients need to feel that their life has value.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Dementia problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Dementia Home Care New York

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Pursuing a Healthy and Meaningful Lifestyle with Dementia

grandmother

Dementia not only affects the memory, speech and personality of those who suffer from it, but also their ability to function independently. It can be challenging for patients, family members, friends and caregivers to cope with the changes caused by Alzheimer’s. In addition to finding a suitable medical provider, treatment options and caregiving assistance, individuals with dementia must take steps to maintain quality of life and alleviate the difficult aspects of the disease.

Self-care is an essential part of any Alzheimer’s care plan as there are many things people suffering from Alzheimer’s can do to help themselves. Encouraging Alzheimer’s patients to be proactive when it comes to their health and wellbeing can slow the progression of the disease and prolong their ability to function with a measure of independence. It starts with physical health: eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and learning new information to stimulate the brain can help improve mood, lead to better sleep, and increase blood and oxygen flow to brain cells.

Emotional and psychological health is also vital for patients. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can trigger a range of emotions including anxiety, anger, fear and sadness. Discussing feelings with a confidant is a great way of coping with the disease and prevent depression. In addition, one can connect with others living with the disease and maintain close relationships for emotional support and to stay socially engaged. Participating in activities such as reading, listening to music, creating art, playing games, spending time with family and attending religious services all help foster a sense of meaning and purpose to one’s life. The most important aspect one can gain from taking these measures is developing and preserving a strong sense of personal worth.

Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Dementia problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.

Dementia Home Care New York

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