Dementia is a difficult diagnosis for both the person with the diagnosis and the caregiver, with your loved one now struggling with tasks that were part of their usual routine, which they’ve been doing for years. This post is designed to provide you with various products that can ease the struggle of looking after someone with dementia.
There are products ranging from aids to increase the independence of your loved one, allowing them to hold onto their dignity and decreasing their reliance on the caregiver, to products which can reduce stress and agitation which come alongside dementia.
Memory aids
Dementia is essentially a loss of cognitive function due to the destruction of brain cells. This includes struggling with reasoning, thinking straight and remembering things. There are ways to assist with either slowing down the memory loss or products which can be used in the home of your loved one to ensure that they don’t forget important things such as taking medication.
Automatic pill dispenser
Dementia is essentially a loss of cognitive function due to the destruction of brain cells. This includes struggling with reasoning, thinking straight and remembering things. There are ways to assist with either slowing down the memory loss or products which can be used in the home of your loved one to ensure that they don’t forget important things such as taking medication.
Radios
Music has many benefits; it gets you up and moving, reduces anxiety, and improves memory. Standard radios can sometimes be difficult for a person with dementia to use. Therefore, more simplified radios or speakers can be purchased to allow them to listen to their favourite music, get up, and dance along. Dancing is something that many people may overlook as a form of exercise; however, it has lots of benefits. Music and movement from dancing are proven to help with depressive thoughts. Additionally, singing along to their favourite songs aids with a memory of the lyrics and also former memories associated with their songs. These radios aren’t strictly for people with dementia but could be used for anyone who would benefit from an easier and quicker way of putting their favourite songs on!
Clocks
Knowing and understanding the time of day is something that most people would take for granted; however, people who have dementia may struggle to read clocks which leads to confusion and repetitive actions. Clocks which display not only the time but the date and the time of day (morning, afternoon, evening or night) provides them with visual cues which can reduce repetitive actions as they are more aware of the time of day. Knowing the time of day can also help with having a routine essential when caring for someone with dementia. Routines reduce stress and anxiety due to the day being more predictable.Dementia is essentially a loss of cognitive function due to the destruction of brain cells. This includes struggling with reasoning, thinking straight and remembering things. There are ways to assist with either slowing down the memory loss or products which can be used in the home of your loved one to ensure that they don’t forget important things such as taking medication.
Wellbeing
When looking after themselves becomes more of a challenge, hygiene needs to become a priority for carers. Having lots of towels is essential, and always remember to put them on a radiator before showering to keep them warm! It is necessary to look after their skin to prevent skin tears and pressure wounds. Body lotion with shea butter works well for this. You could also use any store-brand hydrocortisone cream to protect the skin. Other products that may be useful are coloured non-slip strips in the bath, not only for safety but as a way to reduce fear when bathing. As vision may worsen, being unable to see the bottom of the bathtub often becomes a fear and may stop them from wanting to bathe. Lastly, have hand sanitiser all around the house to maintain hygiene if washing hands is challenging.
Reducing anxiety
Anxiety is common in dementia due to feeling unsafe and unfamiliar with their surroundings due to memory loss. There are many ways in which a carer can help reduce this anxiety, for example, reassurance of their safety and continuing with old routines. For times when your loved one may be on their own, or you’re just trying to do everything you can to reduce the anxiety, there are a few products that may help. Fidget blankets are a good distraction when anxiety levels may be high. Oil diffusers which release lavender are also an option with lavender not only reducing anxiety but could also help with sleep.
ID jewellery/GPS trackers
As dementia develops, wandering can occur, leading to your loved one getting lost and confused in what used to be a familiar place to them. This can be scary and cause a lot of panic for a carer; however, some things can be done to reduce its occurrence or make it easier when it does happen. ID jewellery can be worn, which will state their name, a phone number and any medical conditions you feel should be added; dementia would be one of these. In the situation where wandering occurs, you know that if they do get into any distress, then you will be called and anyone who finds them will be made aware that they have dementia. If you feel this wouldn’t be enough or your loved one doesn’t want to wear jewellery, there are many GPS trackers options. alertafamily.com offers a patch (similar to a nicotine patch) that can be worn, providing the carer information on their whereabouts. Other GPS trackers can be purchased in the form of apps on their phone, keychains and jewellery.
Although challenging, with assistance, it can become more manageable.
Looking after someone with dementia is something that no one is ever prepared for, and so this blog is here to provide you with some products which might take the worry out of certain aspects that may be difficult for you. Whether this is anxiety which has stemmed from dementia, or fears of your loved one getting lost and going missing, there is something in this article which will be suitable and alleviate some of the stress and worry when facing these challenges.
Daren David Taylor
Creator of the Helping Mum app
Daren devotedly cared for his mother’s well-being, who was living with dementia. To assist himself and other caregivers in similar situations, he developed the “Helping Mum” app. This application serves as a tool for facilitating communication and sharing memories between caregivers and their parents. By creating the app, Daren aimed to provide a valuable resource for individuals caring for loved ones with dementia, enabling them to enhance their interactions and maintain a connection through shared memories.
