Tips for Managing Everyday Challenges of Memory Loss

If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of memory loss, everyday tasks can become challenging. As their memory loss progresses, the brain loses many of the basic abilities it needs to perform the simple functions involved in self- care. This is just one of the many reasons why your role as their caregiver is so important. Consider the following ways your loved one could need assistance:

Bathing – The tasks involved in bathing may confuse or frustrate your loved one.
Dressing – Your loved one may have trouble deciding on an appropriate outfit or performing fine motor tasks like closing buttons or tying shoes.
Eating – Your loved one’s memory loss may make them forget when they last ate, or why they need to eat. They may have trouble using utensils.
Toileting – Your loved one may struggle with incontinence as they forget the meanings of their body’s natural warning signs.
Medications – Forgetting whether they took medication or refusing to take it is common for those with memory loss.
Outings – Loud, crowded areas can overwhelm those with memory loss, triggering stress or the need to get away.
Leisure – Your loved one might have trouble occupying their time at home.

Just as important as physically helping your loved one with memory loss accomplish everyday tasks is offering support and helping them cope with these new challenges.

Accept Change – Help your loved one avoid stress by encouraging them to accept changes as they happen, rather than hiding them or pretending they’re okay. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Accepting changes in your abilities … can help you restore balance to your life and give you a sense of accomplishment in your abilities.”
Create a Coping Strategy – Once your loved one accepts that their abilities are changing, help them create a coping strategy. Make a list of tasks that have become challenging. Determine whether it’s necessary for your loved one to do those tasks his or herself, or if someone else can help. Then, find a solution that works for them.
Make a Daily Routine – Patterns and routines help those with memory loss stay on track of tasks and create a sense of familiarity and accomplishment.
Do One Thing at a Time – Allow your loved one to focus on one task at a time without pressure to complete it. This will help them concentrate and accomplish the task while keeping them at ease.
Recognize Triggers for Stress – Knowing what situations induce stress for your loved one (rushing, criticism, other people in the room) will help you plan ahead so your loved one will have better chances of accomplishing tasks comfortably.
Ask for and Accept Help – Explain to your loved one that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, seeking help when they need it can help them stay independent longer. The same goes for caregivers – accepting help with caregiving tasks can keep you energized for when your loved one needs you most.

The Art of Living

At Tuscan Gardens® of Venetia Bay, we’ve mastered the art of living. We’ve perfected the balance of personalized support and an uplifting lifestyle, helping our residents experience independence, joy, and meaning every day.

Offering supportive independent living, assisted living and memory care services for families in Venice, Florida, Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay was founded with one simple, yet profound goal – to create a community worthy of our parents. In all we do, we are guided by the principles of family, culture, and engagement, working to represent the remarkable way of life our families deserve.

The essence of our community is made up not only of mere aesthetics but an artfully designed lifestyle to bring out the best of what each day has to offer. From dedicated care that respects residents’ individuality and dignity to a lifestyle that nurtures their love of life, Tuscan Gardens was built to be more than just a residence, but a place to call home.

To learn more about our comfortable, elegant community, contact us today!