In the later stages of dementia, the biggest problem in gauging your senior’s comfort is that she may not be able to tell you what’s uncomfortable or when she is experiencing discomfort. This means you might feel as if you’re spending more time than you like guessing about what’s going on and how to help your senior.
Use Wedges and Cushions to Reduce Pressure.
Cushions, wedges, blankets, and even your senior’s mattress and topper can all help her to experience fewer issues with pressure sores and discomfort. It might take experimenting with a variety of these different tools to get the best results. Blankets and towels can also be helpful if you need longer or more flexible propping options.
Help Her to Change Position Every Couple of Hours.
One of the best tools that you can utilize to help your senior to remain as comfortable as possible is to keep an eye on the clock. Changing your elderly family member’s position every couple of hours helps to ensure that she’s not in one place for too long. Everyone’s needs are slightly different, though, so your senior might need to change position a little sooner, especially if she seems to be uncomfortable at all.
Enlist the Help of Hospice Care Providers.
Hospice care providers have a lot of experience with these sorts of difficult situations. They can show you exactly what to look for and they can help you to troubleshoot your aging family member’s comfort issues. They also know what to look for in terms of the earliest signs of skin issues or pressure sores, which can be very helpful in healing those problems before they become painful sores.
Make Sure You Don’t Hurt Yourself.
The other important factor in this situation is that you’re not putting yourself in a position where you injure yourself. If you’re not strong enough to lift your elderly family member or to move her, don’t do so on your own. Hospice care providers can show you tips and tricks that help you to make the right moves when you’re lifting and shifting another person.
The emotional impacts of seeing your family member dealing with the later stages of dementia are often difficult enough for you as a family caregiver. But there’s also the difficulty of witnessing the physical issues she’s having and helping her to reduce the likelihood of developing further physical difficulties while she’s getting the rest that she needs.
If you or your aging loved one could benefit from Hospice Care in Elloree, SC, contact the caring staff at Grove Park Hospice, (803) 536-6644
- Three Keys to Help Prepare an Aging Senior for Home Care Support - October 9, 2020
- Five Reasons Your Senior Experiences Discomfort Near the End of Her Life - September 23, 2020
- Thank You Hospice Team! - September 17, 2020
