Memory loss can occur due to mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or aging. Often, memory loss is indicated by symptoms such as forgetting where they placed their keys or forgetting the name of a family member or close friend. These experiences can cause an additional emotional burden on the individual and their family. If your loved ones start to experience memory loss due to dementia or age, a show of additional care and attention can go a long way in supporting them. If you are looking for ways to support a loved one suffering from memory loss, read on to learn more!
Practice Patience
Before all other ways of supporting your loved ones, it is important to remember that your loved ones’ inability to remember important facts like names, events, or conversations is neither a personal attack nor their failure to listen. It can be frustrating to constantly remind your loved ones about certain events or details, or wait for them to conjure up their memory, but rushing them or expressing your irritation might not be the best way of providing the necessary support. It might create conflict or hurt between both parties. Instead, practice patience by gently reminding them of information or speaking about how you feel to someone you can trust.
Be Proactive in Helping to Jog Their Memory
When your loved one is finding it difficult to remember recent conversations and events, try being proactive in triggering their memories. This could mean putting up dementia-friendly signs in your house showing where the washroom, dining area, or bedrooms are, setting up virtual assistants like Siri or Google to remind them of upcoming appointments, or creating a ‘memory book’ of pictures and names that could help them remember their loved ones. When it comes to remembering, be creative with the use of post-its, electronic reminders, or physical objects to help jog their memory.
Prepare for the Journey and Seek Support
Understanding the medical condition that your loved one is suffering from and preparing for the progress of the illness can help you provide better support. Assessing your finances, the medical needs of your loved ones, and planning time for caregiving are also important factors to take into account when you are looking to support a loved one with memory loss.
Additionally, you should seek the support that you need. Reach out to online groups and forums for caregivers who support those with memory loss for tips, advice, or mutual encouragement, or reach out to family members for additional support when providing care for your loved ones. The efforts and mutual support that family and friends may offer could surprise you.
Additional Support at The Trace
Here at The Trace, we support and provide specialized care to your loved ones. Our SHINE® Memory Care neighborhood provides elite memory care through a holistic program that looks after their physical exercise, providing healthy meals, a safe and calm living environment, as well purposeful games and activities. If you are looking for an assisted living option where your loved one can benefit from 24/7 medical care, housekeeping services, and management with medication and personal grooming, The Trace by Discovery Senior Living is a great option to consider. For more information, contact us at 985.206.8854 today!
