How Psychologists & Therapists Can Help to Deal with Dementia

How Psychologists & Therapists Can Help to Deal with Dementia

Many people have loved ones in their lives who struggle with dementia. Whether it’s through aging or another type of brain illness, the impacts on memory, behavior, and everyday life can be challenging to navigate both for those who are experiencing it, as well as for family, friends, and caregivers.

While it is possible to help alleviate some of the symptoms of dementia through things like regular sleep schedules, diet, and exercise, one of the most profound ways to support both those experiencing dementia as well as those in their immediate circle of care is through dementia counseling.

Treatment Plans

Working with a qualified mental health professional will have a number of benefits for a patient dealing with dementia as well as family and caregivers. Psychologists and therapists will help develop ways to improve quality of life, regulate emotions tied to diagnosis, and develop tricks for managing important life tasks through using memory tools like alarms, calendars, lists, and establishing routines.

Support for Dementia  

If you’re looking for expert dementia counseling, there are a few things it’s important to remember when searching for the perfect mental health practitioner for your or your loved ones’ needs. The first is to find someone who operates under the principle that individuals experiencing dementia are not helpless. It’s important that they are included in the development of their treatment plans and in the regular adjustments for these plans that will take place.

Make sure to ask your potential psychologist or counselor what type of experience they have in supporting patients to build environments that will suit their needs, practicing memory tools, and tips for navigating everyday life.

Caregiver Support

Providing support for a loved one experiencing dementia is a huge undertaking that can also bring on its own challenges. Increased levels of emotional stress and labor are common, and the physical demands of supporting someone experiencing dementia can also often be quite high.

Through the support of a mental health expert, caregivers can learn tools to help navigate this additional stress and improve their overall mental health and wellbeing. This can take the form of practicing positive coping mechanisms, talking about emotions and challenges with a trained expert, and planning out strategies to ensure that caregivers are also getting the mental and emotional support that they need from friends and loved ones on a daily basis.

We Provide Dementia Counseling & More

If you’re searching for qualified mental health professionals to provide dementia counseling, get in touch with us at ACT Teletherapy. Our qualified mental health experts will work with you and your loved ones to find a treatment plan that’s best suited for your needs. Find out more and get in touch with us today to book a consultation.