Dementia is a condition that worsens over time and affects millions of people all over the world. One of the most heartbreaking things about this condition is how much pain it can cause for the person who has it, their loved ones, and any companion care at home providers who have had the senior in their care. It’s important to support seniors with dementia and to do that, those who care for them need to understand the impact that might occur.
How Does Pain Present With Dementia?
Emotional pain: Pain can show up in different ways in people with dementia. First, they may lose their ability to think and remember, making remembering happy times, recognizing loved ones, or even doing simple jobs harder. Imagine how painful it would be to forget the names of family members or to have trouble remembering important events that were once so clear. This loss of identity and sense of self can make seniors feel frustrated, confused, and very sad.
Bodily pain: As dementia gets worse, seniors may also feel pain in their bodies. They might have trouble with their mobility, have stiff muscles, and get consistent headaches. In some cases, they may also have visual or audio hallucinations, which can be scary and make it hard to know where they are. These physical and sensory symptoms can be upsetting and add to the mental stress that the cognitive decline already causes. It’s important for seniors to have companion care at home that is patient and supportive.
Mental pain: In addition, dementia can cause behavioral and mental signs that make the pain worse for seniors and everyone who cares for them. Symptoms often include anxiety, sadness, anger, and aggression. Most of the time, these changes in behavior are caused by frustration, confusion, and an inability to speak well. Seeing a loved one go through such upsetting changes in behavior can be emotionally draining and sad for family members and caregivers who want to help and care for them the best they can.
Companion Care at Home Aides Help Support Seniors With Dementia
Dementia hurts more than just the seniors who live with it every day. When a family member or friend has dementia, it’s common to feel sadness and a deep sense of loss. It’s hard to see someone they’ve known and cared about change into someone else, losing their memories, personality, and ability to have important conversations. The emotional toll can be too much to bear, making loved ones feel sad, powerless, or even guilty.
Not only that but taking care of someone with dementia can be mentally and physically draining. For this reason, loved ones should consider adding companion care at home to help them with care, including managing medicines, dealing with difficult behaviors, and adjusting to constant changes.
The pain that comes with dementia is multifaceted and affects more than just the one diagnosed with the condition. It’s important for seniors with dementia to get effective care and support in order to get the best care possible.
Source: https://dailycaring.com/untreated-pain-in-dementia-signs-causes-and-treatments/
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/dementia-related-pain-and-caregivers
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7004504/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Monterey TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (931) 208-1019
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Cookeville, Algood, Baxter, Monterey, Sparta, Smithville, Livingston, Dodson Branch, Gainesboro, Putnam County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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