When a loved one shows signs of dementia, your first instinct might be to look for a care facility in North York that can help them manage their symptoms. However, comprehensive home care plans provide families with more options outside of a retirement home, long-term care, or a nursing home. 

At ComForCare North York, we believe in the power of care at home. Here, we’ve gathered some of the best caregiving advice we have for supporting seniors living with dementia at home.

Speak to a Family Doctor and Learn What You Can

Dementia is a broad term used to cover a wide range of illnesses, and the symptoms can manifest differently depending on what type it is. For example, Alzheimer’s support may have different needs than support for frontotemporal dementia.

Talking to your family doctor can help you or your loved one get the information needed to make a dementia diagnosis less overwhelming. Besides a medical assessment, family doctors can also inform you of resources in the community to manage symptoms at home.

Be Mindful of Memory Loss

This is a multifaceted piece of advice, but every bit is essential in accommodating most dementia care approaches:

• Leave notes: As dementia progresses, short-term memory can suffer. If you need to leave reminders for a loved one, write it down in a note. Put this note somewhere visible in their home, and make sure your language is as specific as possible.
• Keep a consistent routine: It is important to maintain a regular routine to create a predictable and stable environment. Set designated times for meals, bathing, dressing, and daily activities or hobbies. Depending on a person’s stage of dementia, a routine allows them to anticipate a day’s schedule and encourages them to carry it out independently for as long as possible. Routines are beneficial for caregivers, too; they ensure all activities of daily living are met in an organized manner. 
• Get an automatic pill dispenser: Most medications work best when taken consistently. There are various types of pill dispensers, so it’s important to do your research to find one that will help you build the most supportive environment for your loved one.

Make Plans for Earlier in the Day When Possible

Dementia symptoms can get worse as the day goes on in a phenomenon sometimes called “sundowning”. Many people living with dementia or their loved ones report increased agitation or confusion when day transitions to night. Unfortunately, why it happens is not fully understood. 

Despite not knowing the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, you can still benefit from planning around it. Follow your loved one’s routine for dinner and bedtime. Planning an activity that will occupy them during this time, such as a puzzle or a simple hobby, is also a good idea.

How to Get In-Home Dementia Care in North York

Thankfully, you don’t have to help your loved one cope with dementia on your own. ComForCare North York has an extensive network of expertly trained professionals who provide assistance to seniors living with dementia in the comfort of their homes.

We customize each care plan to your loved one’s needs. From providing companionship to assisting with activities of daily living, ComForCare North York is committed to delivering professional and compassionate care. Our caregivers are trained in our proprietary DementiaWise program that supports them with effective communication and behavioral approaches.

Contact us now to speak with one of our friendly team members about which at-home dementia care solution is best for your loved one.