How Does Dementia Cause Isolation?

Several factors can lead to isolation for seniors with dementia. One of the foremost is the lack of understanding revolving around cognitive issues. Many individuals don't know how to respond to a dementia diagnosis, so they withdraw or leave messages with a family member who's in contact with the senior.

Seniors diagnosed with memory impairments also tend to pull back from their loved ones. A variety of issues can trigger this deliberate withdrawal, including feelings of denial, shock or anger over their circumstances. They may also become depressed or feel helpless, especially if they mistakenly believe nothing can be done to improve their situation.

Communication barriers cause other isolating factors. Seniors with dementia often forget words during conversations, leaving them frustrated or embarrassed. They can also feel ashamed if they forget the faces of friends and family members. To correct these issues, seniors and their families need to speak with medical providers and support groups to help them manage their feelings and learn helpful lifestyle adjustments.

Isolation's Effect on Seniors With Dementia

Loneliness increases the progression and severity of dementia. Studies have shown isolated people experience a loss of memory and language skills faster than those who socialize frequently.

The brain, like any muscle in the human body, needs exercise or it weakens. Isolation takes away the brain's regular social workout and leaves individuals mentally out of shape. Physical abilities that boost independence, including speaking, reading, cooking and dressing, also decline due to a lack of social settings.

Eliminating the Barriers of Isolation at Home

While every senior's circumstance is unique, you can reduce potential loneliness by watching out for these issues commonly faced by older adults.

Hearing Loss

It's thought 1 in 3 older adults aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss. When individuals with dementia struggle to hear conversations, it can heighten their confusion.

Having your loved one's hearing tested and keeping hearing aids in good working order makes it easier for them to stay in touch. You may also want to consider having their ears checked for wax buildup, which can dull hearing but is easily treated.

Prescription Glasses

Body language becomes more important for individuals with dementia, especially in the later stages of the condition. By keeping eyewear up to date, you can ensure seniors can clearly see when a loved one is smiling, gesturing or pointing out an object in the room.

Memory issues can make it easy to misplace eyeglasses, so it may be beneficial to use items such as:

• Cord keepers. These can help prevent glasses from being set down in random locations.
• Holders. You may wish to place a brightly colored case next to your loved one's bed or favorite chair.
• Trackers. Tiny trackers can be attached to eyeglasses, allowing you to locate them through an app on your mobile device.

Purposeful Activities

Completing simple tasks can build your loved one's self-esteem and give them a sense of accomplishment. It also offers chances for the two of you to talk about the activity itself and other things as you work.

These activities can be tailored to the individual skill level and physical abilities of your loved one.

• Gardening: This can be as simple as watering a single houseplant. The two of you may also enjoy growing herbs on a windowsill or flowers in pots on your porch.
• Laundry: Let your loved one take over folding laundry. This exercise lets them participate in the household and challenges them mentally to manage various garments and match socks by size and color.
• Cooking: Ask your loved one to butter toast, toss a salad or set the table according to their abilities. This may improve their interest in eating if they have a poor appetite.

Employ Technology

Seniors can use video chats and phone calls to connect with loved ones regardless of distance thanks to modern technology. Mobile devices, game consoles and computers also allow families to read books, play simple games and even put together digital jigsaw puzzles.

The Social Benefits of a Memory Care Community

Memory care communities, such as Bethesda Gardens Thornton, offer seniors the opportunity to live in a group setting with specialized care. Games and musical activities in the common areas encourage interaction between peers, letting residents form bonds with others diagnosed with cognitive issues.

Nurses also monitor seniors for changes in their health that can diminish their abilities, and therapies are used to reduce pain and improve mobility. This combination can help residents feel better physically, making it easier for them to participate in social programming.

Additionally, here in Thornton, CO, our team features a chaplain who provides personalized counseling and spiritual services so seniors with faith-based backgrounds can join an on-site church community.

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