Until medical science catches up with progressive brain degeneration, dementia care assisted living is something anyone with the condition must consider eventually. That’s not to say there aren’t things you can do to delay the inevitable.
As with any progressive disease, the insidious part of failing mental functions in an older adult is that there is no cure and there is no reversal. Until medical science catches up with some of these diseases, those who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other conditions must consign themselves that dementia care assisted living is something they must consider eventually. That’s not to say there aren’t things you can do to delay the inevitable. And in a situation where you naturally want to do anything you can do to wring every moment you can with your loved one before making a difficult decision, these things are worth trying.
Mind Stimulation
One of the most effective things you can do to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s and other brain-oriented forms of degradation is to make sure the sufferer gets plenty of mental stimulation. More research comes out every day that suggests that older adults who remained active mentally were considerably less likely to develop cognitive diseases. Once it has begun to develop, though, there is still a body of evidence that suggests you can stave off dementia care assisted living temporarily by introducing stimulating brain exercises into their lives. These could include crossword puzzles, learning music, or any games that require concentration and thought. At the same time, though, don’t force it. Stick with activities the person actually wants to do.
Reducing Clutter and Complexity
One of the primary goals of a dementia care assisted living facility is to simplify the environment. You won’t find complicated dials and options in the room of someone with Alzheimer’s, and you should endeavor to do the same for your lived one. Complicated tasks are only going to begin adding confusions and stress to your loved one’s life. Anything you can do to make their life easier and simpler is a good thing. Of course, that comes with a caveat: don’t try to do much, too soon. Make changes gradually or they could feel as though their independence is being questioned and taken from them.
Establish Routine
Those with progressive brain degeneration may benefit from having a scheduled life. This goes to reducing complexity and it gives them something they can rely on. While easy to implement in a dementia care assisted living facility, though, it can be challenging to develop a rock-solid schedule in real life. Do the best you can and try to make sure the day is scheduled with positive activities and lifestyle choices
, rather than negative ones.
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