There is no doubt that dementia has a way of making things more stressful and challenging. For this reason, a combination of depression and dementia could easily be overwhelming to your loved one. Depending on the severity of dementia and depression that your loved one suffers, various solutions can be considered. We look at five essential tips to keep depression in check among persons with dementia.
1. Proper timing
There is nothing as essential as approaching the issue with utmost immediacy. Often, acting on time tends to accentuate credible results in the long run. While medication is usually dependent on the situation of your loved one, starting the treatment as soon as you can often ensure that this condition does not explode. Initiating interventions such as yoga, visualization, and deep breathing will often prove useful in such an instance. Yoga and deep breathing are essential in building the patient’s confidence and even improve their focus on critical issues. This way, avoiding depression will be no hassle.
2. Fresh Air Therapy
One way to handle depression is by taking a stroll, leave the house. A fresh breath is often influential in proper thinking. Often, people in crisper settings tend to enjoy a more open mind. This move gives them the chance to connect with the outside world and enjoy a new lease of life. This way, they get their energy reinvigorated. It is also an opportunity for them to engage socially. However, it is recommended that you do not take them to crowded or noisy places. They could easily cause confusion or even further stress.
3. Embracing imperfection
Undoubtedly, your loved ones will often appreciate doing things on their one despite that they could be relatively dependent. Feel free to allow them to do whatever they long for, for as long as they do not compromise their health in the long run. This move will ensure that they not only feel confident in their abilities but also enjoy a sense of belonging and dignity. However, it would help if you always learned to say no whenever necessary. Often, when the health or dignity of the patient is likely to get compromised, stop the action.
4. Participate in meaningful activities
There is nothing as effective in handling stress, anxiety, and depression than engaging in useful activities. You will witness that incorporating a few of the things that they have always loved will be critical in the recovery journey. It will not only inspire them to want to live another day but also keep their mental health in better shape. While at it, if there is any tradition, ensure that it keeps burning. Going on holidays would be helpful too.
5. Designate a Quiet Room
Keeping your loved one from the hectic and noisy life will often be essential in this process. Setting up a room that cushions them against various stressors will ensure that they are not susceptible to depression. It will give them the comfort that they long for besides being quite convenient.
According to Jane Byrne, Project Coordinator at FirstCare nursing home Kildare. "There are many types of dementia, each with their own causes and symptoms. However, there are similarities across the board, which we need to combat. Dementia is so widespread nowadays that all healthcare professionals really have to stand up and take notice.”
Taking time to focus on a loved one with dementia is vital in protecting them against depression. Whereas we can barely avoid certain eventualities, embracing the tips mentioned above will come in handy in this process.
Holly Clark has been working in the care industry for 5+ years as a project coordinator. She regularly blogs about both the personal and practical challenges of caring and is always actively working on producing informative content. Holly is currently writing for Firstcare.