Dementia & Caregiver Training

Dementia

Dementia is a general term, not a specific disease. It interferes with performing everyday activities and impairs a person’s ability to remember, think, or make decisions. Of the many types of dementia, Alzheimer’s is the most common and well-known.

Dementia is not a part of the normal aging process and predominantly affects older adults.

A variety of degenerative changes to the brain results in declining cognitive and safety awareness, limiting one’s ability to function and live independently. Altered personality, routine disruption, and relationship changes develop and worsen, increasing the care and support your loved one requires.

Signs and symptoms of dementia

Because dementia is not a specific disease, its symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

People with dementia have difficulties with:

Signs that may indicate dementia include:

Communicating with a Loved One:

The loved one for whom you are caring has a brain disorder that determines who they will become and who they are now. Trying to control or change their behavior will likely be unsuccessful or face stubborn resistance, so it’s important to:

Try accommodating their behavior, not control it.
- Example: To make your loved one more comfortable if they insist on sleeping in the kitchen, put a mattress on the floor.
Remember, we, caregivers, can change our behavior or our physical environment. Modifying our own behavior frequently results in our loved one changing their behavior.

Keep an upbeat, positive attitude when interacting with your loved one.
Get your loved one’s attention.
Use simple words and sentences.
Ask simple, easy to answer questions.
Listen with all of yourself: eyes, ears, and heart.
Split up activities into simple stages.
If your loved one becomes agitated or upset, try changing the subject or the environment.
Always respond with affection and reassurance. Be upbeat and positive.
Remember them as they were.

Please note: As much as we’d love to, JD The OT cannot return your loved one to their former self.

How JD The OT Mobile Therapy Services helps patients with Dementia and their Caregivers

Our emphasis is on personal care and quality of life. JD The OT conducts a comprehensive consultation, then adapts and modifies your loved one’s activities, enabling them to master essential and worthwhile activities.

In addition, our certified dementia therapist tours the patient’s home and recommends modifications, so their home is dementia-friendly.

JD The OT Mobile Therapy Services has made it our mission to use our experience and knowledge to ensure your loved one lives their best life. Each dementia patient is unique. We patiently provide the occupational therapy your loved one requires while you are present so that you can better understand and are better equipped to support them yourself.

We’re always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Every day can present a challenge when caring for a loved one with dementia. Our JD The OT team wants you to be as well-equipped as possible, which is why we endeavor to ensure you understand the best and varied ways to help your loved one. We work closely with each of our patients at a pace comfortable for them and you. And we treat all our clients with the same level of care and respect we do our own family.

JD The OT Mobile Therapy Services is here to help your loved one lead a safe and happy life. Our complete dementia therapy and caregiving techniques emphasize you and your loved one’s quality of life.

After our in-home training is complete, you’ll have the toolbox you need to create a secure and loving environment.