Finding assistance for dementia help in Houston can be challenging. It’s often hard to know how to help someone with dementia. Where do family members begin with providing care? How do relatives know if their loved one needs a higher level of care?
Pegasus Landing of Tanglewood offers a signature memory care program for dementia support in Houston, TX. Our senior living community is a resource for families searching for questions that are difficult to answer.
Continue reading to learn more about helping people with dementia. Discover how to prevent caregiver burnout and fatigue.
How do I find dementia help in Houston, TX?
It can be devastating to learn a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Before starting any kind of care plan, join a support group. The Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter offers resources to in-person and online groups where people going through this time can talk.
Home care by a family member is often the first attempt at providing dementia care. Over one million people in Texas support a loved one with Alzheimer’s. There is no need to feel alone as a caretaker. Reach out today and get help.
Friends and family may also be interested in helping to provide care and offer the primary caretaker respite. It’s a blessing when that happens, but it is not an option for everyone.
Some families may opt for a home care service to supervise and support a person with dementia. Long-term care at home can be quite expensive while not offering the same benefits as a memory care facility.
Forty-four hours per week is the average time senior care professionals spend with their patients. This service costs about $4,576 per month in Houston. People with dementia get to live in a familiar environment. However, they may not receive the valuable socialization and data-based therapies available in memory care communities.
Connections is a data-based memory care program available at Pegasus Landing of Tanglewood. Our senior living professionals are well-equipped to support people with dementia and their families.
How to Help Someone with Dementia
Where does dementia care begin? What do people with memory loss need? Here are tips on providing socialization, security, and medical care.
People may become more withdrawn and isolated as dementia progresses. It’s essential to provide opportunities for socialization, such as scheduled outings with friends or family members or visits to local attractions.
Seniors with dementia are susceptible to depression and anxiety. Regular socialization can help.
Dementia can cause confusion and make it difficult to recognize dangers. Ensure their home is well-lit and free of hazards like poisonous material, loose rugs, or electrical cords.
It’s not always possible to supervise a person with dementia when providing care alone. Remember to lock doors to potentially hazardous areas. Practice this to prevent wandering as well.
Create a list of emergency contacts and keep it readily accessible.
Alzheimer’s and dementia can cause a decline in physical health. Be sure to schedule regular checkups with the doctor and monitor loved ones for any changes in weight or appetite. Keep in constant contact with the doctor if necessary.
The Challenges of Caring for Someone With Dementia
Caring for a person with dementia can be rewarding and exhausting. It’s important to set realistic expectations and boundaries in day-to-day care. Here are some of the challenges you may face when providing care.
Communication difficulties
As dementia progresses, loved ones may have trouble communicating needs. They may become agitated or confused easily. It is crucial to be patient and understand that this is not personal.
Changes in behavior
Dementia can cause changes in mood and behavior. A person living with dementia may become withdrawn or aggressive. These changes can be sudden and unexpected. Again, be patient and understand that this is not personal.
Increased need for assistance
As memory loss progresses, loved ones will likely need more assistance with activities of daily living. These include everyday tasks such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Using the restroom
Hire a home health aide to perform duties that require a higher level of assistance.
Caregiver burnout and fatigue
The caretaker needs to take care of themself. They should schedule time for themself every day. Take thirty minutes to read or take a walk. Do something calming and relaxing.
Primary caretakers may also consider joining a support group to connect with other caregivers who are going through similar experiences. Trading tips and stories can be beneficial.
Caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally draining. Make sure to get plenty of rest and exercise, eat a healthy diet, and take breaks when needed. Utilize respite care to take vacations or extended holidays.
Memory loss
One of the most challenging aspects of dementia is watching a loved one lose memories of people, places, and events that are important to them.
This loss can be painful for everyone involved. Try to create new memories rather than dwelling on what’s been lost.
Manage dementia caregiving by sticking to a daily routine, finding outside help, and taking breaks. It’s easier said than done. However, a dedicated memory care community can help.
The Connections Memory Care Program in Houston, Texas
Pegasus Landing of Tanglewood is proud to offer the Connections program for memory care. This data-based program was created by Dr. Sandra Petersen, drawing on her experience with neuroplasticity treatments following a stroke.
Our team provides a dementia-friendly environment that is secure and comforting. Caregivers receive signature training to provide superior care and meet individual needs. We focus on letting residents create community and find meaning through purposeful activities.
Family members can visit and enjoy time with their loved ones, knowing that they are receiving care with roots in science and evidence.
If you or someone you love is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, we hope you’ll consider the Connections program at Pegasus Landing of Tanglewood.
Get Dementia Help at Pegasus Landing of Tanglewood
Help is available. Visit the Connections program for memory care at Pegasus Landing of Tanglewood in Houston, TX. Contact us to arrange an informative tour.