Senile dementia is a series of alterations that the brain suffers and that impair the cognitive capacity of the elderly who suffer from it. Its main feature is that it is a disabling disease, which means that whoever suffers from it will end up losing their independence. It becomes impossible to perform basic daily tasks. So it will need attention and more and more, since it is a degenerative disorder.
Many cases of people with senile dementia will need specialized care, that is, professional personnel who can cover their health needs, especially in more advanced cases. But it is common that, in the early or intermediate stages of the disease, people close to the patient, such as the immediate family, take responsibility for their care. In these cases, it is recommended to take into account certain tips.
Caregivers of a person with senile dementia, when they are not professionals, must deal with a series of obstacles during their work. Therefore, it is necessary to keep in mind certain important aspects. The first thing of all will be to obtain said diagnosis by a doctor, who will also inform and guide the caregivers, apart from explaining the treatment that must be carried out for the patient.
The responsibility of caring for someone with dementia can lead to situations where these caregivers will be emotionally on edge. For this reason, it is essential to arm yourself with patience and always remain calm, as it will have a very positive impact on the patient. Especially as the disease progresses and memory is increasingly affected.
Another key aspect is to adequately inform the environment of the older person. This way they will be able to understand their behavior and the changes that are taking place. It will be easier for them to be prepared to be respectful and understanding, as well as support and help if necessary.
Something very beneficial for these people, when they still have some independence, consists of establishing routines and habits. They must be supervised with frequent visits by people around them. Also to check how the disease is evolving.
A very important point that must be resolved as soon as possible is that relating to bureaucracy. Banks, insurance, properties, invoices, all this type of procedure, which will be more complicated to manage in the future.
One of the tips that caregivers should take into account the most is not to forget about themselves, since it is something relatively common. Although the person in your care becomes a priority, this must always remain next to private life. So that both aspects come together and one does not overlap the other, otherwise, it can have strong psychological consequences for the caregiver.
