The effects of a stroke on your elderly loved one can be extensive and varied. While you might be prepared for some issues, there are others that may not be as expected, such as memory loss. This memory loss can impact your aging loved one in different ways, including making it more challenging to express thoughts and memories, making it harder for them to recognize faces or recall names, and diminishing their ability to fulfill daily tasks such as cooking or following directions. As a family caregiver, it’s extremely important for you to take the proper steps to help your aging loved one manage their stroke effectively, including dealing with changes to their memory. Not only will this help them to cope better, but it will also maintain independence and help them to strengthen their cognitive abilities again.
Use these tips to help your senior deal with changes to their memory after a stroke:
Take the time to organize their home so that there is a specific place for everything. This will make it easier for them to find things when they need to, to keep their home organized and straight, and also provide visual cues for different tasks throughout the day
Create a consistent routine your senior follows on a daily basis. Having a set schedule for when your senior does specific things, and in what order, helps them to feel more secure, takes away questions and uncertainty, and also helps to trigger memories and self motivation
Encourage your senior to write things down. Leaving themselves notes and reminders can make it easier for them to remember things and follow through. Studies have shown that the physical act of writing something down makes it far more likely the mind will retain that information and be able to recall it easily
Simplify tasks and sets of instructions. Rather than coming up with a long list of things your senior needs to do or remember, break down tasks, activities, and schedules into smaller, more manageable chunks so they can more easily remember and follow through with them.
No matter how dedicated you are to be a family caregiver, stress, fatigue, and even burnout can happen. Protecting yourself from the potentially devastating consequences of these effects means not only preserving your own health and well-being but also ensuring your parent continues to get the best care possible for their needs. Introducing home care into their care routine can be exactly what you need to achieve this goal. An in-home senior care services provider offers customized services designed to approach your parent as a whole individual, rather than just a person struggling with health needs or challenges. This means you can delegate specific care tasks to them and they can also help your parent from other angles, including supporting independence, offering companionship, providing transportation, and more
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home please call the compassionate, caring staff at Mothers Helping Hands Home Care. Call Today! 470-260-4137.