A person experiencing memory loss is, at the least, confused. When we can’t remember and track what’s going on, it’s very confusing. And it can be scary!
Anger and fear are natural responses. People with dementia often don’t recognize they have a problem. They just know that the world is not as they expect it to be.
Personality changes are common, as are changes in behaviors as the disease progresses. For instance, people with middle stage dementia frequently lose their social inhibitions. They forget the social customs we call manners. This can lead to actions that are embarrassing and very confusing for families.
Research indicates that caring for a person with memory loss is extremely stressful. A diagnosis of dementia, more than other conditions, takes its toll on the family.
Dementia caregivers are much more likely to be depressed. They also are more likely than other caregivers to develop significant health problems.
If your relative has dementia, you need to be extra careful to mind your own health. And you need to develop strategies for coping with stress.
Although working together as a team is optimal in elder care, that can be challenging in the case of dementia.
In the earlier stages, it is important that the person with dementia be involved in decision making. As the disease progresses, however, he or she will lose the ability to make reasoned decisions. More than with other conditions, the role of the family will change.
Determining when and how to phase out responsibility for decision making can be difficult. A care manager can give you a sense of the stage of dementia. He or she can help walk you through the formal diagnosis process. A care manager can also help you find resources now and to plan for the future.
Even if the memory loss condition is not curable, there are things you can do to make daily life more pleasant for all of you.
It’s very important that you reach out and get help. People with dementia need support and access to others who know what it’s like. Joining a support group of people with early stage dementia is invaluable!
Caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally taxing. Family members need patience, strength, and regular breaks from caregiving. Support groups can be extremely helpful. There are also other programs and sources of support.
You don’t have to do this alone At Caring Strategies, we understand dementia. Give us a call at 256-489-7573. We’d be happy to help with resources for everyone in the family.
Who can you talk to about this big change in your life?
What an excellent resource for the senior community! I work with this agency on a professional level and they provide unbiased opinions that help seniors and their families navigate the medical community, local programs & resources available to them. The staff is so kind & caring. They make a hard time in one's life a little easier to manage!
They are wonderful. They take such good care of their families and clients. They give them peace of mind and are an excellent resource in the community. I can’t say enough!
I have worked with this organization professionally for a number of years. I have always found their services to be beneficial to clients who need help navigating the waters when trying to make difficult decisions. Caring Strategies has an excellent reputation in the senior services industry and is a company that you can trust. The team will have your family's best interests at heart.
As a provider of services for the elderly, I have worked with the Caring Strategies team in several instances and I am always so impressed with the caring and professional way in which they do business. In many instances, they are working with individuals who are at an age where they are not only losing their independence in areas, but they are also at the point in life where they need help - both of these are among the most difficult things to accept. The team at Caring Strategies is able to come in and provide the needed service in a dignified and caring manner, which allows all involved to feel more at ease and confident knowing their needs are being met in a safe and dignified manner. I highly recommend giving them a call to discuss how they can help in your situation.
If I could give 10+ stars for Caring Strategies I would!!! The Owner, Jeanie Tauss a Certified Care Manager has a heart of gold and it shines through her entire team. Each team member are such caring souls and combined with their extensive backgrounds they are able to provide the support and guidance that their clients/families need. They have gone above and beyond to help me and I'm so grateful for them!!!
Carin Strategies is a lifesaver for families looking for assistance with their aging loved ones who need guidance and direction on care where it be at home or in a senior living community. Their team is very professional and experts in helping family caregivers find a solution in navigating this process.
The Caring Strategies professionals and staff were just wonderful. Having moved to the area during the pandemic and under very stressful/difficult circumstances, Jeanie was a calm and comforting support. Carla and Jeanie both were very supportive, encouraging, and professional. Can't thank them enough. I recommend those who maybe caring for older adults in their lives to consider consulting with Caring Strategies.
What a great resource we have in Caring Strategies! Even if you think you know all the resources for elderly care, set up a consultation with Caring Strategies to know what you may not know.Last year, my mother had a sudden health decline. As I didn't know all the resources available to her, I followed up on a recommendation to find a senior care specialist. Jeanie Tauss' guidance allowed me to ask the right questions, see the right people, and find the perfect solution for my mother's needs. Mother is so happy and healthy a year later.