The Experts at Copper Canyon Provide Their Best Memory Care Tips

When your loved one is diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, it can be tough to know where to start your research. Of course, you want to be prepared and provide your loved one with the best care possible. The memory care experts at Copper Canyon Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Tucson, Arizona, have put together the following Dos and Don’ts to help you get started:

DO learn as much as possible

As soon as your loved one is diagnosed and regularly thereafter, talk to your loved one’s doctor to get every single one of your questions answered. Learn what treatment and medications are recommended for their particular condition and stage of progression. Also get information about what changes in behavior your loved one might display, as well as what physical and cognitive limitations they might experience. Learn how you can work with these changes and maintain your loved one’s quality of life.

DON’T set rigid expectations

Each person is an individual, and therefore each person experiences the progression of memory conditions differently. Your loved one will also likely have good days and bad days, and they may react differently to the same stimuli from one day to the next. Therefore, it is important to not place rigid expectations on your loved one. Instead, be flexible and accept your loved one’s experience day by day.

DO create routines to keep your loved one comfortable

People experiencing memory challenges do better when their environment is calm, safe, and familiar. It’s important to implement daily routines that include activities your loved one enjoys. These routines will help ground them and will avoid some of the confusion or frustration your loved one might experience when presented with new things. It’s also good to include productive activities that your loved one can perform on their own or with minimal assistance; these activities will help give them a sense of independence and accomplishment.

DON’T get impatient with your loved one

Your loved one’s experience and reactions may be different every day. They may also be experiencing confusion, frustration, anxiety, or fear as they try to navigate environments and situations that have become unfamiliar for them. If you add your own frustration or impatience to the mix, you will likely make the situation worse. Be patient and help your loved one through any difficult experiences.

DO lead with compassion and love

Remember to treat your loved one with respect, patience, and compassion at all times. It can be emotional to see your loved one experiencing these changes, but they need your help to navigate them. Be a good listener and a patient helper—don’t rush in to finish their sentences when they struggle for words or complete a task when they need more time to do it alone.

DON’T hesitate to get help

Being the sole caregiver for someone experiencing memory challenges can be stressful. If you find yourself struggling to maintain your own routine and responsibilities while caring for your loved one, or if you are feeling burnt out, it’s time to get help. Copper Canyon is ready to welcome your loved one with open arms, providing them with unparalleled Person-Centered care.

To learn more about residency or to schedule a tour of Copper Canyon, contact our friendly team today.

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