Caring for a loved one with a cognitive impairment has its challenges.
A loved one with memory loss may feel confused and frightened in their own home environment. An individual with aphasia may be unable to verbally express wants, needs, or discomforts. A person with balance and gait difficulties may need assistive devices to lessen unsteadiness and decrease the chance of falls.
As the caregiver, you can create a safer environment for your loved one. By doing so, you can help your loved one feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed.
The first step is to take an objective look at your loved one’s environment. As you assess the environment, try to see things from the perspective of the person with the diagnosis.
A person with dementia may not understand the importance of certain actions or be as able to respond to their environment, as they once could. For example, your loved one may not remember why it is important to dress appropriately for the weather, or why it is important to turn off appliances when they are not in use.
Taking preventative actions and introducing assistive devices may reduce the level of frustration for your
loved one and decrease the level of anxiety for caregivers.
