A Guide to Helping Your Loved Ones Cope with Memory Loss

There are no easy answers when it comes to memory problems. As elderly adults continue to age, their memory often gets worse, which can understandably cause immense distress and frustration in your loved one’s life and even impact your own mental health as well. 

Thankfully, there are ways to help your loved ones feel better as they experience and navigate memory changes. Follow these tips to make life as easy and positive as possible for both them and yourself.

Be Honest

 Aging adults deserve to know the truth about what is happening to them. In fact, keeping important information from them can cause further harm to their health. 

Imagine waking up and forgetting where you are, who your family members are, and what you did yesterday. It’s a terrifying notion for most to think about, but you need to understand that it is very much becoming your loved one’s reality. 

You would want your family members to be honest with you, and it is no different for your aging loved one, so let them know that they are having memory issues and that they won’t need to worry, as they’ll be in good hands. 

Make Helpful Changes in the House 

When your loved one struggles with memory problems, their daily tasks can become much more difficult for them to manage, including basic hygiene like brushing their teeth, combing their hair, or cleaning the house. 
Make sure you modify and set up their home in a way that makes it easy for them to navigate everything. It can be helpful to place sticky notes around each room with the locations of useful items. 

In addition, take any necessary safety measures to prevent your loved one from getting hurt. If they are prone to wandering or getting lost, invest in security cameras that you’ll have constant access to. You can also purchase programmable door locks to avoid these dangers.

Hold Space for Their Emotions

As overwhelming as your loved one’s memory problems can be for you, they are likely even more distressing for them. In response, give them plenty of reassurance and validation as they process their feelings regarding their condition. 

Doing so can look different for every family. Some might like a journal to record their thoughts and feelings, while others prefer one-on-one venting sessions. Hold plenty of space for their difficult emotions as they adjust to mental changes. 

Look for a Memory Care Facility 

If you are unable (or no longer able) to care for your loved one full-time, look into a high-quality memory care facility. Dementia care facilities are equipped to handle the variety of changes your loved one is experiencing. 
At a dementia care facility, your loved one will receive medical, psychological, and social support, taking the burden off of them and your other family members and allowing you all to focus on loving and supporting them during your visits. 
 
Give Your Loved Ones Grace as They Cope with New Challenges

When it comes to memory problems, there are many complex emotions involved. As such, give yourself and your loved ones lots of grace as they move through this new chapter of their lives. Remain available for support and remind them that they are loved and cared for no matter what.