Supporting Activities of Daily Living
As the condition of persons living with dementia progresses, their abilities to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) deteriorate as well. ADLs refer to routine activities which most persons have learned to perform from young and usually do on a daily basis without any assistance.1 However, due to dementia, individuals gradually become unable to perform these daily routines.
Designing a Daily Routine
Persons living with dementia often feel confused and disoriented, especially when their memories begin to blur and their functions start to deteriorate. Your loved one living with dementia may have difficulties in performing his/ her usual tasks as their condition progresses. Designing a daily routine is a good way to provide them with some structure. Planning activities they enjoy can be helpful in reducing agitation and improving their mood.
Sharing Caregiving Responsibilities: Gathering the Family
A family discussion on sharing caregiving responsibilities can be very helpful when your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia. Some families may think it is taboo to discuss concerns revolving around dementia, but it is important for family members to be clear that the family discussion is about honouring your loved one’s preferences and wishes.
Dementia Progression & Behaviour Changes
The progression of dementia comes along with changes in persons living with dementia:
Abilities in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Behaviours
Cognitive Function
Orientation to People, Places and Time
Dementia progression and its corresponding behaviour changes require the appropriate response from caregivers.
With the necessary information and resources at hand, you will be better equipped to respond to these changes while providing care for persons living with dementia.
Apply CAUSEd to Understand Behaviour Changes
The CAUSEd problem-solving tool is designed to encourage caregivers and care professionals to understand the behaviours of persons living with dementia as a form of communication with their social and physical environments. In turn, caregivers and care professionals can identify the possible triggers for the behaviours, and minimize the impact of behaviours by developing and implementing support strategies.
Services for Caregivers
Caregivers of persons living with dementia face unique challenges. Dementia progression can take several years and the caregiving needs vary as their loved ones transit through the stages of dementia. The good news is, no one caregiver is alone. There are several initiatives in Singapore to help support caregivers, specifically those caring for loved ones living with dementia. Read on to learn more about them!
Managing Grief & Loss
Dealing with loss is a part of life. It is all right to feel sad when a loved one passes on.
Grief is a reaction to any form of loss. While it is a universal experience, responses to it vary from person to person, depending on a range of factors such as one’s relationship with the beloved, and the meaning one attaches to them. Here are some common reactions that you and your other family members may experience while experiencing grief.
Taking a Breather
It is good to think about caregiving as something akin to running a marathon. Like in a marathon, you will want to pace yourself, making sure that you do not run too fast and burn out before the race is over. Pace yourself from the start so that you will not be overwhelmed over the years of your caregiving journey. More importantly, ask for help and take an occasional breather so that you can recharge yourself for the next leg of the journey.
Dealing With Caregiver Stress
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be stressful. Find out some self-care stress management techniques to deal with caregiver stress. These include ways to adjust your mindset and how you might manage your emotions and health.
