How to Cope With Senility

Senility, also called dementia, causes a loss of cognitive ability, memory function and independence. Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of senility, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms include insomnia, aggressiveness, confusion, paranoia, anxiety and depression. Senility becomes increasingly severe with time, leaving the patient dependent upon family and friends. The condition can be extremely stressful and exhausting for everyone involved. Fortunately, there are ways for the senile person and his caretakers to cope with senility.

Instructions

• 1

  Have the patient keep a daily journal to help with memory and cognitive skills. Daily journals provide an accurate record of daily events and can help the senile person connect with past events.

• 2

  Maintain a sense of community to prevent depression, encourage feelings of independence and improve memory of faces and people. Joining a support group, art class or reading circle is a fun and healthy way for senile patients to feel connected to their environment and community.

• 3

  Help the patient stick to a routine to increase cooperation and reduce confusion. Providing structure and routine, such as regular bed and meal times, scheduled outings and planned activities can help decrease aggressiveness and make the senile person feel more comfortable.

• 4

  Use friends and family for support. This is important for both the senile person and his caretakers. Taking care of a person suffering from senility is an exhausting, full-time job. Depend on friends and family for relief and support and utilize community services and adult day-care centers as often as needed. Adult day-care centers function similarly to child-care centers or residential treatment homes. They provide senile patients with the opportunity to engage in social and intellectual stimulation while under constant supervision, giving loved ones a much needed break.

• 5

  Avoid leaving someone suffering from senility alone, even for only a few hours. This can be dangerous due to memory impairment and cognitive difficulties. The risk of wandering and unintentional setting fires is high in senile patients. Surroundings must be secure, with doors and cabinets locked and any potential hazards removed.

• 6

  Eat a healthy, balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition and good overall health. Healthy eating and sufficient exercise are important for caretakers as well as the senile patient. The Mayo Clinic recommends a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy sources of protein.

• 7

  Discuss the use of medications to help combat anxiety, insomnia, aggression or paranoia with the patient's doctor. While many caretakers are reluctant to put a loved one on medication, there are drugs available to alleviate some of the symptoms commonly experienced by senile patients. Medication can improve the quality of life for both the patient and her caretakers.