Study Identifies Ways to Improve Life with Dementia
When you think about research being conducted concerning dementia, you likely think in terms of new treatments or a cure.
However, a recent group of researchers who believed it is equally as important to look for ways to allow people with dementia to achieve a better quality of life. To that end, they looked for factors that affect the happiness and well-being of people with dementia.
Senior Care in Noblesville IN: Seniors with Dementia
About the Study
Researcher Linda Clare, a professor at England’s University of Exeter, worked with a team of researchers to review the literature of 198 previous studies with a combined participant base of more than 37,000 individuals.
Their review discovered that certain factors are indicative of a poor quality of life for dementia patients. Those factors include:
- Poor health, either mental or physical.
- Agitation.
- Apathy.
- Unmet needs.
- They also identified factors that indicated a good quality of life, such as:
- Good relationships.
- Being socially engaged.
- Good physical and mental health.
- Better ability to function on a daily basis.
- High-quality care.
Some experts believe that the key to better lives for people with dementia really lies in their social connections and participation in enjoyable activities. They say that these things are important to all people, and that doesn’t change when an older adult develops dementia.
Social Engagement with Dementia
One thing that often happens when someone is diagnosed with dementia is that friends and relatives stay away out of fear and uncertainty. They may not know what to say or expect. You can help them to stay involved by advocating for them. Keep in touch with relatives and friends with updates on the senior’s health and encourage them to visit.
Communicating with someone who had dementia can be difficult, so it may be helpful to offer visitors advice on the best way to talk to the older adult. Remind them to:
- Speak slowly and use simple sentences.
- Give the senior extra time to respond.
- Keep the conversation positive.
- Express affection with a gentle touch, holding hands, smiling, or hugging.
- Avoid arguing about the senior’s differing perceptions.
One way to help older adults with dementia to live a better quality of life and remain socially engaged is by hiring a senior care provider through an agency. A senior care provider can help the older adult to interact with visitors. They can also take them to places where they can socialize with others, such as to events at the local senior center, church events, or to a friend’s house for a visit. At home, the senior care provider can keep the older adult involved in meaningful activities to prevent boredom and give them a sense of purpose.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior care in Noblesville, IN, please call the caring staff at Home Services Unlimited. Serving Greater Indianapolis Area. Call for Immediate Info & Assistance: (317) 471-0760
Sources:
As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where she was the In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
- Home Care Differences Between Grooming and Hygiene - April 24, 2023
- 4 Senior Home Care Tips to Get Out of a Food Rut - April 13, 2023
- Elder Care Tips For Managing Senior Stress - March 21, 2023