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Useful Items to Have in the Home When Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
“Dementia products” are intended to make life easier for a person with dementia and their loved ones. Some of these products can indeed be helpful. However, often they go unused or hold interest only briefly. Before you jump in and try or buy something, do a little advance thinking about what your loved one's needs are, and what useful items you may already have in your home.
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4 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Mealtime with Dementia
Over time, people develop unique relationships with food – determining what they like and do not like. It is commonplace to have a favorite meal, type of food, place to eat, etc. Individuals living with dementia, however, commonly experience changes from their normal food habits. Depending on the person and what stage of dementia they are in, a loved one may show changes in things like appetite, eating habits, food preferences or swallowing ability.
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Making the Most of Mealtime: Eating, Swallowing & Dignified Dining for Individuals with Dementia & IDD
Eating and food are at the center of many of life’s occasions, celebrations and moments together with loved ones. Of course, eating is also a necessity—we rely on nutrition and hydration to survive. But what happens to these important and essential moments when dementia affects a loved one’s eating? In what ways can a loved one’s ability to interact with food begin to change? This webinar explains some of the changes that may make mealtime challenging when caring for someone with dementia, and provides tips on how to set up the eating environment for successful mealtimes. It also focuses on swallowing disorders for individuals with dementia and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and how to balance safety concerns while ensuring a dignified dining experience.
WatchHayes, J. (2022, February 11). Tips to Assist Your Loved One with Daily Dressing and Grooming. Guideposts. https://www.guideposts.org/caregiving/family-caregiving/advice-for-caregivers/tips-to-assist-your-loved-one-with-daily-dressing-and-grooming
Maximizing the Environment for Individuals with Dementia
According to the AARP, most Americans would prefer to stay in their homes until the end of their life. This statistic is no different for persons with dementia. Lack of safety and accessibility in the home are issues that need to be addressed so that individuals with dementia and their respective caregivers also have the ability to age in place. Occupational therapy professionals are trained health care providers that can provide formalized home safety assessments and recommend home modifications to increase safety and independence in the home. These efforts are also beneficial for community and business owners to consider and employ to further support individuals with dementia in the community.
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