What Are the Best Strategies to Make Life Easier for a Loved One with Memory Issues?

By Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP | December 22, 2016 | Comments Off on What Are the Best Strategies to Make Life Easier for a Loved One with Memory Issues?
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Elder Care in Scotch Plains NJ

Memory issues can be incredibly frustrating for your elderly loved one, particularly if she’s never had such problems before. As her family caregiver, there are some strategies you can employ to Elder-Care-in-Scotch-Plains-NJhelp her deal with her situation.

Minimize Distractions Whenever Possible

Distractions can create a huge problem for a loved one with memory issues. They can cause her to lose track of her thoughts and actions quickly. Radio, television, and even conversational noise can all create distractions that derail your loved one’s train of thought.

Stick to One Task at a Time

Doing too much at once can cause your loved one to have difficulty processing her thoughts, too. For that reason, it’s a good idea to keep your loved one’s routine to one activity or task at a time. Make sure also to leave plenty of time for your loved one to complete each activity so that she’s not feeling rushed.

Have Your Loved One Keep a Notebook Handy

Having some reference for frequently-used information can help your elderly loved one to feel more in control, even if she’s dealing with memory issues. A small notebook can fit easily in your loved one’s pocket or purse. At first, you might need to remind your loved one to write down information in her notebook or to use her notebook for reference, but as she gets used to it, it may become much easier.

Routines Work

Having set routines for your loved one’s daily activities can help her quite a bit with her memory issues. You’ll want to set up a time schedule of sorts which includes waking up, going to bed, meals, and other important activities. As your loved one becomes accustomed to the routine, it can be very comforting for her.

Label Rooms and Hang Signs

As your loved one’s memory issues progress, she might find herself lost or confused, even in her own home. One way you can help her with this is to hang signs that label rooms and offer directions to other locations in the house.

Talk to your loved one’s doctors and elder care providers if you need other tips as well.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elder care in Scotch Plains, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP
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