Living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia can be a challenging and emotional experience for families. Dementia is a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, leading to personality changes, confusion, and agitation.
With over 257,000 Arizonans caring for a friend or family member with dementia, it’s essential to have a plan in place to manage behavioral changes brought on by memory loss. Before families begin looking for memory care in Arizona, they are often the first to act as caregivers.
Managing behavioral changes brought on by Alzheimer’s and dementia can be overwhelming, but they can be managed with proper support and understanding.
At Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon, we understand the challenges families face and have created a specialized Connections memory care program that offers an individualized approach to supporting loved ones.
Let’s discuss ways to provide relief to caregivers and loved ones.
How To Manage Dementia Behaviors
Aggression and agitation are common symptoms of dementia, and they can be challenging to manage for the caregiver. It’s crucial to remember that these behaviors are due to brain changes, not the person’s intentional actions.
A few tips to help calm aggression and agitation in your loved one with dementia include:
- Stay calm: Remaining calm helps soothe your loved one, so avoid getting frustrated or yelling.
- Redirect: Try to distract your loved one by giving them a new activity or topic to focus on.
- Use music and aromatherapy: Soft music and calming smells can help relax and soothe.
- Validate their feelings: When your loved one becomes agitated, try to understand and acknowledge their feelings.
It’s also essential to remember that individuals with memory loss are at risk of depression and boredom. Offering activities and socialization can help alleviate these symptoms, as engagement triggers the brain’s reward centers.
Try some of these activities to discourage boredom and depression for a loved one:
- Exercise: Taking a walk or doing some light stretching is an excellent way to get some exercise while spending quality time together.
- Art and music therapy: Painting, drawing, and playing an instrument can be therapeutic and an excellent way to express feelings.
- Puzzles and brain teasers: Games and puzzles stimulate the mind and can help improve cognitive function.
- Social events: Organize a small gathering with close friends and family members or join a local support group.
Caring for someone with dementia requires patience, resilience, and support. Remember, you are not alone, and there are available resources to help you manage the disease’s challenges. Reach out to memory care facilities in Arizona, support groups, and caregiver resources for guidance and support.
Taking breaks and asking for help as a family caregiver is essential. Follow these additional coping strategies for managing dementia behaviors:
- Develop a structured routine to provide consistency and predictability
- Avoid overstimulation and minimize distractions
- Approach your loved one calmly and maintain eye contact
- Use verbal and nonverbal communication to connect with them
- Implement gentle redirection techniques when behavior becomes challenging
- Validate feelings and listen actively
- Practice self-care and seek support when needed
By providing a structured routine, avoiding overstimulation, and validating feelings, family caregivers can help alleviate symptoms of aggression and agitation. Offering activities and socialization can also improve the overall quality of life for individuals with memory loss.
Arizona Memory Care Communities Can Help
Memory care is a challenging and emotional choice for families who have loved ones living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, choosing memory care can bring many positives, such as specialized programs, tailored care, and a supportive environment.
One such Arizona memory care community is Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon. We offer the Connections program, aimed at providing individualized and engaging care for residents living with memory loss.
Our community offers a unique blend of skilled healthcare, compassionate care, and wellness services, including neuroplasticity therapies, aimed at improving residents’ physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Sandra Petersen started the Connections memory care program. Our team comprises experienced caregivers who provide personalized care, support, and friendship to our residents. These are qualities that have been passed down from Dr. Petersen.
The emphasis on creating a positive and engaging environment encourages residents to partake in wellness activities that stimulate cognitive, emotional, and physical function. The Connections program is designed to:
- Provide a sense of purpose
- Offer mental stimulation
- Promote engagement
Neuroplasticity therapies, which use brain exercises, socialization, and physical activities, help strengthen and reroute the neural pathways in the brain. These interventions have been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and mood in individuals with dementia.
In addition to specialized care and therapies, we also understand the importance of supporting families of individuals with dementia. Our dementia care team offers guidance on managing behavioral changes in your loved one.
We are committed to providing specialized memory care in Tucson, Arizona in a home-like environment that promotes cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being.
Visit Comprehensive Memory Care in Tucson, AZ
Our Connections program and neuroplasticity therapies aim to improve memory care residents’ overall quality of life.
If you are seeking memory care in Arizona, we invite you to tour our community to learn more about what we offer and how we manage dynamic behaviors. Contact us today to schedule a personalized visit.