Here are five valuable tips to support people with dementia and improve their quality of life:
Tip 1: The Power of Sharing Memories
Photos and images often have a magical appeal to people with dementia. Flipping through old photo books can bridge the gap between the present and the past. Long-term memory tends to remain intact longer than short-term memory, which means old photos can often trigger vivid memories. Sharing these moments can not only bring joy to the person with dementia, but also warm your own heart.
Tip 2: Bring Structure and Certainty
Dementia can lead to moments of lucidity followed by forgetfulness. It is therefore vital to provide structure. An organized environment gives the person with dementia a sense of stability and footing in a world that can become increasingly confusing.
Tip 3: Time at Hand - Clock and Calendar
Hang a clock and calendar in the living environment of the person with dementia. This provides them with a constant reference to the time and date. You can create a personalized calendar, noting all important events and tasks. Use colors to make it more visually appealing and invest in a high-quality printer and toner to make this happen. PrintAbout can help you find the right printer and toner to create clarity for the person with dementia.
Tip 4: Enjoy Time Together
Dementia does not mean that a person can no longer enjoy life. On the contrary, it is important to engage in fun activities from time to time. Taking an outing or just a walk around the neighborhood can evoke new experiences and bring up old memories. Visiting 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 breaks allow the person with dementia to process the stimuli and information received. It is not only beneficial for them, but also for you, as it gives you the opportunity to catch your breath.
