How to Help a Parent with Memory Loss?

Watching a parent experience memory loss can be a challenging and emotional journey for both them and their loved ones. Whether it’s due to aging, Alzheimer’s disease, or another form of dementia, supporting a parent through this difficult time requires patience, understanding, and practical strategies. 

Juniper Communities are the helping hand that many families find to be indispensable during these fragile times. Our Wellspring Memory Care program isn’t your typical memory care community. Our approach uses the small house model–residents in smaller, homely communities are more socially engaged, experience less stress, and overall, are happier than in traditional settings, according to a 2011 study.

Juniper offers various ways to help an individual with memory loss while maintaining their dignity and quality of life, including: 

• Providing resources to help educate family members
• Providing a safe environment
• Establishing helpful routines
• Helping to simplify communication
• Always encouraging independence
• Helping residents to stay connected
• Providing emotional, physical, and medical support when needed
• Encouraging loved ones to remember themselves

Educate Yourself on Memory Loss

The first step in supporting a parent with memory loss is to educate yourself about their condition. Learn about the specific type of dementia they have, its symptoms, and its progression. Understanding their condition will help you anticipate their needs and provide better support.

Learn at Your Own Pace

Understanding what to expect can make the journey less daunting. However, it’s normal to find some information difficult to deal with. Take your time to adjust to your loved one’s diagnosis and learn as you go along. 

There are many websites and resources to help you navigate through Alzheimer’s and dementia care. For instance, the Alzheimer’s Association provides free education programs where you can learn more.

Create a Safe Environment

Losing your memory is a scary thing. Help your parents by making their living environment safer and more conducive to their needs. Remove tripping hazards, install handrails, and make sure that their home is well-lit. Consider using locks or alarms on doors and windows to help prevent wandering.

Juniper’s memory care communities are designed for people with a level of neurocognitive impairment that makes it unsafe for them to stay at home. These communities have secure spaces to prevent unsafe wandering, but they also encourage safe wandering through outdoor paths, gardens, and shaded resting spaces.

Establish Routines

Routines can provide structure and familiarity for someone with memory loss. Establish daily routines for meals, medication, and activities to help your parent feel more secure and reduce anxiety.

Simplify Communication

Communicating with a parent with memory loss can be challenging, but there are strategies to make it easier: 

• Be patient and supportive: Encourage them to express their thoughts and take your time to understand what they’re trying to say.
• Avoid distractions: Create a calm environment for conversations. Turn off the TV and minimize other distractions to make it easier for your loved one to focus.
• Speak clearly and slowly: Use simple words and sentences, and maintain eye contact. If they don’t understand something, try explaining it differently.
• Talk about one thing at a time: People with memory loss might get confused if too much information is given at once.
• Use non-verbal cues: Gestures, facial expressions, and touch can all help convey your message and show your feelings of affection and respect.
• Listen actively: Show that you’re interested in what your loved one has to say and respond to their feelings. Sometimes, the emotions they’re expressing are more important than what they’re saying.
• Be respectful: Avoid talking down to them or speaking as if they’re not there. Always include them in the conversation.

Encourage Independence

While it’s important to provide support, also encourage your parent to maintain as much independence as possible. Allow them to do tasks they can manage safely, but be ready to step in and assist when needed.

Juniper Communities offer support with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and mobility. 

Stay Connected

Social isolation can worsen symptoms of memory loss, so it’s essential to help your parent stay connected with others. Encourage visits from friends and family, participate in social events and group classes, or consider joining a support group for caregivers and individuals with memory loss.

Provide Emotional Support

Dealing with memory loss can be frustrating and distressing for your loved one. Offer emotional support by listening to their concerns, validating their feelings, and reassuring them that they are not alone in this journey.

Seek Professional Help

Consider seeking professional help from healthcare professionals, such as doctors, therapists, or caregivers specializing in memory care. They can provide valuable guidance, support, and resources to help you and your parent navigate this challenging time.

Take Care of Yourself

Caring for a parent with memory loss can be physically and emotionally draining, so it’s crucial to take care of yourself as well. Make time for self-care activities, seek support from friends and family, and consider joining a caregiver support group.

Navigating the Journey of Memory Loss with Love & Support

Supporting a parent with memory loss requires patience, understanding, and practical strategies. By educating yourself, creating a safe environment, establishing routines, simplifying communication, encouraging independence, staying connected, providing emotional support, seeking professional help, and taking care of yourself, you can help your loved one maintain their dignity and quality of life throughout their journey with memory loss. 

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Juniper Communities is here to provide resources and support to help you navigate this challenging time. We encourage you to reach out and tour our communities.