Assessing Quality of Life for Dementia Patients
Dementia is one of the major causes of disablement and dependence among older people across the globe. Assessing the quality of life for dementia patients depends on the quality of their treatment and responses. However, there’s no cure for any form of dementia, making it difficult for patients to live a quality life.
Many people have different criteria and ways of assessing the quality of life for dementia patients. This may lead to disagreement between people, and it can impose threat on the quality of life of the patient. The caregiver’s criteria might be different from the patient himself or his loved ones.
However, there are some general factors to consider when assessing the quality of life for dementia patients. This will help to increase their chances of living a quality life in spite of their health conditions. The purpose of assessing their quality of life is to ensure that they are living with little discomfort as possible.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating Quality of Life For Dementia
As a caregiver, these are the factors you need to consider when assessing the quality of life for dementia patients.
1. Physical Health
As a caregiver, assessing the quality of life for your patients will bring you to asking yourself some certain questions.
Can the patient move around freely without pain? Is the patient able to do some chores in the house? All these questions will help you to have a full understanding when assessing the quality of life of patients with dementia.
2. Mental Health
Knowing their mental status is another factor, and it will help you to assess their quality of life accurately.
How strong is the patient emotionally? Is the patient overwhelm by anxiety? These are questions you need to ask yourself as a caregiver to have a better understanding of your patient’s condition.
3. Cleaning & Hygiene
People suffering from dementia may find it very challenging to perform general cleanings such as bathing, and brushing teeth.
They usually need someone to assist them in doing these activities. Maintaining a clean environment when suffering from dementia is very important, it will improve their quality of life.
4. Stable Environment
A stable, safe, and calm environment is ideal in assessing the quality of life for dementia patients.
Dementia patients may find it hard to cope in a disorganized environment where things constantly change. Dementia patients are prone to confusion, therefore a slight change in home settings can get them confused.
5. Socializing
Another factor to consider when assessing the quality of life is socialization.
For patients with dementia, having someone to converse with, whereby they can share and express their thoughts is important. This will help them to gain optimum satisfaction and pleasure, and improve their quality of life.
6. Compassion & Respect
Dementia patients may sometimes behave childishly because of their health condition. However, treating them with respect even when they do something funny will help them to live a quality life.
Remember that they are adults, therefore whenever they have childish outburst, be compassionate, and correct them nicely.
There are number of factors to consider, Dementia patients may find it challenging to carry out some tasks successfully, which may hinder them to live a quality life.
However, studying their situation carefully, and providing maximum supports will increase their chance of living a quality life. Treating them with respect, finding a stable environment for them, and so on will improve their quality of life.
Related Post You Should Checkout:
- 5 Steps That Help When Dealing With Dementia
- Dealing with Dementia Behaviors
- The Best Doctors To Diagnose Dementia
- The Major Origin of Alzheimer’s
- 12 Ways To Improve Your Brain Health