Here are five valuable tips to support people with dementia and improve their quality of life:
Tip 1: The Power of Memories Share
Photos and images often have a magical appeal to people with dementia. Browse through old photobooks can bridge the present and past. Long-term memory usually remains intact longer than short-term memories, which means that old photos can often bring vivid memories. Sharing these moments can bring joy not only to the person with dementia but also to your own heart.
Tip 2: Bring Structure and Security
Dementia can lead to moments of clarity followed by forgetfulness. Therefore, it is vital to provide structure. An organized environment gives the person with dementia a sense of stability and hold on in a world that can become increasingly confusing.
Tip 3: Time at the Hand - Clock and Calendar
Hang a clock and calendar in the person's living environment with dementia. This provides them with a constant reference to time and date. You can create a personalized calendar, which records all important events and tasks. Use colors to make it visually more attractive and invest in a high-quality printer and toner to realize this. PrintAbout can help you find the right printer and tool to create clarity for the person with dementias.
Tip 4: Enjoy Together Time
Dementia does not mean that someone can no longer enjoy life. On the contrary, it is important to take some fun activities. Taking a trip or just walking around can bring up new experiences and old memories. A visit to a place that means a lot to the person can be a special and moving experience.
Tip 5: Create Space for Rest
Every day we are exposed to an abundance of stimuli, and for people with dementia this can be overwhelming. Plan moments of rest not only at night but also during the day. These pauses allow the person with dementia to process the incentives and information received. It is beneficial not only for them but also for you, because it gives you the opportunity to catch your breath.