Asking for help for someone who has dementia or any similar condition can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. And sometimes, it’s not even necessary. However, it’s better to ask for help than to not ask and risk your loved one slipping away.
Most people who are diagnosed with dementia aren’t aware that they’re having memory problems. So even though they can’t communicate their feelings, they’re not ready to give up on life. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to monitor one’s dementia and keep your loved one as safe as possible.
What Your Loved One Can Do
It is important that you talk to your loved ones and ask them what they can do. If they don’t want or need help, then there’s no reason to push the issue. But if they do, you should start with small tasks that are easy for them. For example, you might ask them to fold laundry or put away dishes.
One thing to remember is that dementia oftentimes affects a person’s ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings. So it’s important not to take anything personally when your loved one gets angry or frustrated and lashes out at you.
Instead of being offended by such actions, understanding why they are behaving this way will make things easier for both of you.
What You Can Do to Monitor Dementia
There are many different things you can do to monitor dementia. The first thing is to speak with your loved one’s doctor about the possibility of a dementia diagnosis. Your loved one’s physician will be able to help you determine if your loved one has any memory problems, which will help you decide how to go forward.
The next thing you should do how to monitor dementia patients is keeping an eye on the person’s behavior and moods. This includes their social behavior, how they interact with others, how often they are active, and what moods they seem to be in most often.
You also want to monitor their physical health and safety as well as their mental health. One way to do this is by checking in on them regularly at home or work and making sure they are taking all necessary medications on time. You can also check in with family members who live with your loved ones or care for them during the day.
How to Ask Someone with Dementia If They Need Help
One of the best ways to tell if someone is having trouble remembering things is by simply asking them. When you ask someone to do something like make their bed, and they can’t remember how you know there’s a problem. The next step would be to keep an eye on that person’s daily habits.
If you suspect that your loved one has been experiencing memory loss for a while but hasn’t expressed any signs of confusion or problems with remembering things, then it might be time for a doctor’s visit instead of automatically assuming he or she needs more help.
