Offering Care for Dementia Patients in Stamford CT

Specialized dementia care is necessary for those diagnosed with any type of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a general term for the decline in mental ability. It results from damaged brain cells that interfere with the brain’s ability to communicate. Dementia patients have difficulty performing tasks of daily living as their memories and thinking skills decline.

Alzheimer’s attributes for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases. Vascular dementia occurs post-stroke and is the second most common form of dementia. Other complications that can bring on dementia include thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies. Dementia progressively worsens over time, but early diagnosis can help improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Recognizing the Symptoms

You must recognize the symptoms of dementia in order to handle the behaviors with care. Impairment of two or more of the
following areas indicates the presence of dementia:

Memory
Communication and language
Ability to pay attention and focus
Reasoning and judgment
Visual perception

Talking to a Parent About Dementia

Learning how to talk to a parent with dementia is vital to getting them the care they need. When having this difficult conversation, use the following tips:

Be prepared for the conversation to not go as planned. Your parent may be defensive or angry. Take your time in the conversation, and plan to revisit the subject, if necessary.
Communicate early if you recognize symptoms. It is best to have the conversation when cognitive function is at its highest.
Offer support for your parent and discuss seeing a doctor. Give emotional support through this overwhelming process.

How Can Fairfield Family Care Help?

If you or a loved one is experiencing dementia, in-home care may be necessary. Fairfield Family Care provides personal and quality in-home care for patients in the CT area. If you’re currently a caregiver, but find yourself lacking the necessary time, allow us to relieve your burden and provide you with trusted, quality care for your loved one. We offer a wide range of services, including the around-the-clock care most often needed for dementia patients.