For anyone who has a loved one with dementia, you know it’s difficult to deal with. One challenge is a behavior called rummaging, which is when your loved one searches for things often out of reach, or just not there anymore. This can cause stress and frustration for both parties involved, but it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are some tips on how memory care communities in Vicksburg, MS help with dementia rambling behavior:
Make Sure Your Loved One is Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people with dementia. It helps their brains to repair itself and process information better. It also allows the body to recover from the day’s activities, which in turn restores energy levels and reduces stress. If your loved one is restless or agitated throughout the day, see if there’s anything that could be causing this behavior, such as pain or anxiety, so you can address it accordingly. If none of those are causing it, make sure you’re getting enough rest so you can help your loved one get the sleep they need!
Allow Your Loved One to do Chores They Like
One way you can help your loved one stay active is giving them tasks that are easy for them to do. If your parent or other loved one had a job or hobby they enjoyed, this could be an excellent way of keeping their mind active and engaged. For example, if they’re fond of gardening, but have difficulty walking without falling now, give them small jobs like watering plants and picking up debris. Make sure you teach them how to do these things correctly, so they don’t hurt themselves in the process! It’s also vital that you don’t overdo it by giving them too much work at once, as this will lead to frustration on both parties’ parts!
Control Access to Smaller Objects & Medications
It’s important to control access to smaller objects and medications that could pose a choking hazard for your loved one. Put medications in a locked cabinet or drawer, and keep small objects out of sight as much as possible. If it’s not practical to lock up everything, consider keeping them somewhere safe, like a box or purse when they aren’t needed. You may put locks on all doors leading outside, so your loved one can’t wander out if they easily get confused and lost. Consider having a lock on the door leading to their bathroom, so they cannot enter without someone else being inside with them.
The good news is that caregivers can prevent unnecessary accidents by setting up safe zones for their patients’ valuables, such as jewelry and money. By providing plenty of space for these belongings, they don’t get misplaced or mixed up with another item in the house. Caretakers will reduce opportunities for potential harm from rummaging through drawers or closets looking for things that aren’t there anymore because they’ve been misplaced elsewhere!
Conclusion
Dementia and memory care can be difficult for the person living with it and those who love them. There are many ways to help your loved one live in a better way, including the best memory care communities. If you or someone you know needs help with this issue, contact us today!
