Navigating Dementia: Skilled Nursing and Expert Memory Care for Better Living

Dementia is becoming more prevalent based on information from the healthcare sector. At present, more than 6.5 million people are living with the condition, which is an increase of more than 100 percent compared to 20 years ago. Experts believe that number could double again within the next few decades. 

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can take a major toll on people’s lives. That’s the case for its victims as well as their loved ones. Navigating dementia isn’t easy, but skilled nursing with memory care can help make it more manageable. Consider the following ways to help make caring for a loved one with dementia a bit less stressful while also improving their quality of life. 

Understanding Dementia

First, take a closer look at dementia and how it impacts its victims. It’s a neurological condition that affects memory, cognitive function, and a person’s ability to carry out basic tasks. It starts slowly, making it particularly difficult to recognize. From there, though, it progresses significantly. Along the way, it becomes increasingly disheartening for victims’ families as they watch their loved ones decline.

Recognizing the Early Warning Signs

Recognizing the early warning signs of dementia is the key to getting your loved one the care and intervention they need. Though there’s no surefire way to prevent or reverse dementia, it’s often possible to slow the condition’s progression once it starts. Certain simple measures can reduce inflammation in the brain that contributes to cognitive decline and help your loved one keep their mind active.

Beyond the basics, your loved one’s doctor can create a treatment plan to further delay dementia’s progression and keep your loved one healthy for as long as possible. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the earlier the doctor and other professionals can intervene, and the more effective treatments generally are. If your loved one starts to exhibit some of the early symptoms of dementia, schedule an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible. Don’t worry about potential false alarms; it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

Deciding How to Move Forward

After the initial diagnosis, your loved one may be able to live on their own for some time depending on how quickly and severely the condition progresses. There will come a time when they need extra help, though. Many people want to take care of their loved ones themselves for as long as possible. Keep in mind, though, that you’re only one person, and you can’t bear the entire burden on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and be sure to take time out to take care of yourself on occasion. 

When you reach a point where your loved one needs more help and care than you can provide, you have several options. Home nurses, health aides, and therapists are available. You can also transition your loved one to assisted living or a life plan community.

Skilled nursing and memory care will be invaluable. It’ll provide your loved one with around-the-clock supervision and a safe, structured environment. Your loved one will also have access to cognitive stimulation programs, assistance with medication management, constant health monitoring, help with activities of daily living, and socialization along with other essential services. 

Seeing Your Loved One Through Dementia

No two experiences with dementia are exactly the same. Though there are universal symptoms, this condition can affect people in different ways, and it progresses at different rates. It’s important to have patience and compassion, and professional support will be crucial. With the right support system and professional care in place, your loved one can enjoy a higher quality of life for as long as possible.