Navigating Dementia: How Overture Home Care Supports Families and Their Loved Ones
Dementia is a challenging and often overwhelming condition that affects millions of older adults worldwide. As World Alzheimer's Day approaches on September 21st, it's essential to shine a light on the impact of dementia not only on those diagnosed but also on their families and caregivers. At Overture Home Care, we understand the complexities of dementia care and are committed to providing the highest level of support to families facing this journey.
The Impact of Dementia on Older Adults and Their Families
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and other related conditions, gradually erodes memory, cognitive function, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. For older adults, this can mean a loss of independence, identity, and connection with the world around them. For families, the emotional toll of watching a loved one decline can be immense. The constant need for supervision and care often places a heavy burden on family members and friends, who may struggle to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their own lives.
Overture Home Care: Specialized Training in Dementia Care
At Overture Home Care, we are dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of dementia care. All our caregivers are trained in Dementia Live®, a program that provides an immersive experience to help caregivers better understand the challenges faced by those living with dementia. This training equips our caregivers with the empathy, patience, and skills needed to provide compassionate and effective care.
In addition to our caregivers, our administrative staff are certified dementia practitioners and Dementia Live® coaches. This certification ensures that everyone at Overture Home Care is well- versed in the latest dementia care practices and is committed to continuous education on Alzheimer’s disease and all forms of dementia.
Photos 1 and 2: Training new Overture caregivers in Dementia Live; Photo 3: Training UNT Health Science Center in Dementia LiveTips and Tricks for Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
Caring for a loved one with dementia requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. Here are some tips to help make the journey a little easier:
Create a Routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of stability and reduce confusion for those with dementia. Try to keep activities such as meals, medications, exercise, and bedtime consistent.
Use Clear Communication: Simple, clear, and direct communication can help reduce frustration. Use short sentences, speak slowly, and maintain eye contact to ensure your loved one understands you. One task or direction at a time.
Reduce Background Noise: have quieter, calm background music, ask others to refrain or limit conversations.
Encourage Independence: Allow your loved one to do as much as they can on their own, even if it takes longer. This helps maintain their dignity and sense of self-worth. For instance, put only 4 weather appropriate shirts in their closet instead of having too many choices.
Engage in Activities: Keep your loved one engaged with activities they enjoy. Whether it’s listening to music, cooking, helping grocery shop, gardening, or doing puzzles, these activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Remember that people living with dementia cannot change: It is up to us to change our behaviors and learn warning signs/triggers and provide redirection when necessary.
Take Care of Yourself: Caregiving can be physically and emotionally draining. Don’t forget to take time for yourself, seek support from others, educate yourself and other family members about the disease and consider respite care when needed.
How Overture Home Care Can Help
Overture Home Care is here to support you every step of the way. Our caregivers are not only trained in dementia care but also compassionate and understand the emotional complexities that come with this disease. We work closely with families to develop personalized care plans that address the unique needs of their loved ones.
Whether it’s providing assistance with daily activities, ensuring medication compliance, preparing a healthy meal or simply offering companionship, our caregivers are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those with dementia. We also offer education and support to family members, helping them better understand the disease and how to care for their loved ones. We identified an succent video called “What is Alzheimer’s Disease” that we share with caregivers, families, health care professionals and loved ones in order to increase understanding and decrease stigma surrounding the disease.
As World Alzheimer’s Day approaches, let us remember that no one must face dementia alone. At Overture Home Care, we are committed to providing the expertise, care, and support needed to navigate this journey with dignity and compassion.
If you would like to learn more about our dementia care services or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help. www.overturehomecare.com 817-887-9401 or 214-887- 9401
by Paige Wolk, LBSW, CDP, Senior Vice President Overture Home Care