Personalised Care Improves Quality of Life for Seniors with Dementia

When you look at Christina’s interaction with Mdm Ganesiah, a senior with dementia that she cares for every week, the tight friendship between them is clear for all to see – the two are practically inseparable. This scene today is a far cry from how it was when they first met.

Christina is a dementia-trained care professional from Homage – a home-based care solution provider that connects qualified nurses and care professionals to those with caregiving needs.

At Homage, you can access care services for your loved ones at a touch of a button. Our care professionals go through extensive training, and are equipped to care for people diagnosed with different conditions.

In the case of Mdm Ganesiah, Christina met her when she was diagnosed with dementia – a condition that results in declining memory and cognitive ability.

The Importance of Routine for People with Dementia

Dementia may affect a person’s ability to learn new things, which is why persons with dementia often prefer a consistent and established routine. The familiarity surrounding a routine can calm and reassure individuals living with dementia. Hence, when families are looking for additional support, it may take more time for their loved ones with dementia to get used to new faces, and the new routines that come with it. 

This was the case for Mdm Ganesiah when she met Care Pro Christina for the first time. 

“I brought so many activities to her home, hoping that at least one of them will catch her attention and interest her enough to engage with me, but week after week, she refused to budge from her bed,” said Christina, as she fondly recalled her first few encounters with Mdm Ganesiah. 

While it may be discouraging, Christina never gave up. Every visit saw Christina arriving at the doorstep with a bright smile and a different activity. When Mdm Ganesiah refused to leave her bed, Christina would sit patiently by her bedside and engage in conversations, actively listening when Mdm Ganesiah chimed in, trying to figure out what rouses her interest.

As time went by, Mdm Ganesiah grew to be more familiar with Christina and her weekly morning visits. As this new routine is established, she felt more at ease and gradually opened up to Christina.

Breaking The Ice

Through her past experience in caring for persons with dementia, Christina understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for caregiving. Just like how individuals grow from acquaintances to friends, the same applies for persons with dementia. A good step, Christina learnt from her dementia caregiving training at Alzheimer’s Disease Association, is to have a wholesome understanding of the individual — their personality, background and even the type of dementia.

Through their conversations and interactions, Christina discovered Mdm Ganesiah’s love for arts and crafts. From then on, Christina would surprise Mdm Ganesiah every week with a different craft activity. These activities made use of different art mediums and some are even festive-themed. In celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival, their latest masterpiece is a DIY lantern made from felt. Crafting has helped Mdm Ganesiah mentally and physically. Her family could see the improvement in her condition while Christina and Mdm Ganesiah continued to grow closer and build lifelong friendships.

Watch how a casual question and answer session between Christina and Mdm Ganesiah play out.

Caregiving Is About Using Your Senses

Caring for a loved one with dementia is no easy task. For Christina, it takes more patience, perseverance and a dash of creativity as she is caring for not one but numerous seniors with dementia on a regular basis. 

“Patience is key”, Christina shares. “Everyone takes time to warm up to each other. Some may take longer than others, but we just have to be patient, ask the right questions, actively listen to what they have to say, and understand them as a unique individual and as a friend.”

With each new senior she meets and care for, the cycle repeats. Some seniors may be more open, while others take more time to warm up to a new face. There will be challenges while delivering care, but at the end of the day, the knowledge that she is making a positive impact on these seniors’ lives and placing a smile on their faces keeps her going.

Choosing the Best Care For Your Loved One

Dementia is a complex condition. Caring for someone with dementia requires time, love, and spades of patience and experience. With a bit of help and experience from the right care professionals, you will be able to better cope with the caregiving duties dementia entail.

Homage has many dementia-trained caregivers like Christina. With a dementia-trained caregiver, your loved one will be able to transition more smoothly into a new care routine, all while being empowered to continue living a fulfilling life. Reach out to us and we will help you find the best care options for your loved one.

Get Quality Dementia Care with Homage From Just $21/hr*

Homage offers dementia care packages starts from just $21/hr! Book a FREE consultation with our Care Advisors to find out more today!