Understanding and Caring for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
With November comes the warmth of family gatherings, but for those facing Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can also bring unique challenges. November marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, which is observed every November to raise awareness and support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with the disease.
At Benchmark, we understand the challenges families face when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It’s not just the physical symptoms, such as memory loss or confusion, that families must navigate. There is also the emotional weight of the disease that often accompanies these conditions, making the journey even more difficult. But with the right knowledge and compassionate care, it is possible to provide a meaningful and enriching life for those living with memory loss.
Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Early detection of Alzheimer’s or dementia is crucial in managing the progression of the disease. Common signs include:
- Memory loss: Forgetting recently learned information or important dates.
- Difficulty planning or solving problems: Struggling with familiar tasks, such as following a recipe.
- Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time.
- Challenges in understanding visual images and spatial relationships: Difficulty reading or judging distances.
- Changes in mood or personality: Becoming easily upset, anxious, or confused, particularly in unfamiliar situations.
While these signs may be subtle at first, they are important to recognize so that care can be initiated early. Learn more about the signs and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s here.
Overcoming the Challenges of Alzheimer’s and Dementia as a Caregiver or Loved One
The challenges families and loved ones face regarding Alzheimer’s and dementia can be one of the biggest obstacles. Misunderstandings about the disease lead to strengthening harmful stigmas, so it’s important to confront the real effects such as:
- Emotional distress: Those living with dementia often deal with confusing and stressful emotions as a symptom of their condition. Additionally, family caregivers also may experience a range of emotions such as anger, guilt, frustration, worry, and grief. This can also lead to social isolation for the caregiver as they are unsure of how to communicate with someone experiencing memory loss or unsure how to express their grief to others. Caregivers may feel that their role as a caregiver impacts their time with their own children or their careers, causing some resentment and additional guilt.
- Behavioral changes: Someone living with dementia may experience behavioral changes, such as wandering, emotional outbursts, and inappropriate behavior. These situations can feel alarming and sporadic, making it difficult for the individual and their caregiver to maintain a sense of stability. People with Alzheimer’s and other dementias may experience a lack of judgment in social settings, causing them and their families to retreat from certain social activities.
- Denial: The person living with dementia may have difficulty accepting their diagnosis, which can make it hard for the caregiver to help. With a slow progression, individuals may compensate for the decline and can deny its progression. Additionally, caregivers may feel uncertainty about what to expect as the disease progresses and how to support the person.
- Demanding responsibilities: The physical, emotional and financial effects that caregivers experience can be very taxing. Caregivers may need to provide physical care, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. They may also need to do housekeeping and home maintenance, manage medication, and take the person to doctor’s appointments.
At Benchmark, we work hard to break these barriers by educating, offering support and providing information to families, loved ones, and the community on what it truly means to live with dementia. Every individual deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to live life to the fullest.
Caring for Those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Providing the best care for someone with dementia requires patience, empathy, and an understanding of the disease’s unique challenges. Caregivers can help improve quality of life by:
- Building routines: Routines help reduce confusion and provide a sense of comfort.
- Encouraging social interaction: Staying socially active helps combat loneliness and maintain cognitive function.
- Offering physical activity: Movement and exercise improve mood and physical health.
- Creating a safe environment: Modifications to the home or living space can reduce the risk of accidents and elopement.
Benchmark’s Mind & Memory Care Approach
Benchmark’s Mind and Memory Care communities are designed to provide an exceptional level of support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. What sets us apart is our commitment to a philosophy we call Connect First. This means our associates take the time to physically connect with residents before any interaction, whether it’s providing care, sharing a meal, or leading an activity. Our associates physically connect and establish a presence with our residents, explaining what is going to be done together. By creating a personal connection, we ensure that residents feel valued and respected at all times.
- Industry-leading expertise: With over 50 communities offering specialized Mind & Memory Care (MMC) neighborhoods and 11 stand-alone MMC communities, Benchmark is a leader in memory care. Our teams include subject matter experts, and our associates receive extensive training. All Mind & Memory Care Directors are Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP®) by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, and all Executive Directors at our stand-alone communities are also certified. Our commitment to ongoing education ensures that our associates remain equipped to provide compassionate, attentive care.
- Signature programming: We believe in offering evidence-informed programs that encourage engagement and creativity. Through tools like the Sagely app, we track resident participation and progress in activities, allowing us to personalize care and communicate updates with families. We’re able to track 11 different types of engagement like speaking positive words, smiling or laughing, toe tapping, in-sync movements, witty or funny comments, deep eye contact, and more. Programs like Art at Heart and our Failure Free art program foster self-expression, while educational activities such as world culture trips and master chef demos provide enriching experiences.
Our communities also offer support groups, where families, friends, and loved ones can share experiences, gain insight, and find comfort from others who understand their journey. For families and caregivers, learning how to navigate Alzheimer’s and dementia can feel overwhelming, but at Benchmark, we are here to offer guidance every step of the way. Our person-centered care and holistic approach ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care while helping families feel supported throughout their journey. Together, we can break the stigma and create a better, more compassionate world for those living with memory loss.
