​ Supporting Seniors With Vascular Dementia: The Joyful Companions Approach
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Supporting Seniors With Vascular Dementia: The Joyful Companions Approach

Supporting Seniors With Vascular Dementia: The Joyful Companions Approach

If your parent or loved one has received a diagnosis of vascular dementia, it can feel like you’re stepping into uncharted territory. Unlike Alzheimer’s, which progresses gradually in most cases, vascular dementia can present with a more sudden onset or “step-wise” decline. This brings unique challenges that require a specific approach for each case and support. 

While this journey will be difficult, know that you are not alone. As you work to create a strategy tailored to your loved one, consider including supportive in-home care from an organization like Joyful Companions. We can be your eyes, ears, and helping hand when you are unavailable. 

The first step in helping your loved one is to understand vascular dementia, the care challenges it presents, and how supportive in-home care can assist. 

The Definition of Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, reasoning, planning, judgment, and other thought processes. Its main cause is brain damage from impaired blood flow to the brain, often after strokes or from small vessel disease. It is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. 

Alzheimer’s disease has a more gradual onset, while vascular dementia symptoms may appear suddenly after a stroke or progress in a noticeable “step-wise” decline with occasional periods of stability. The earliest symptoms of vascular dementia often include changes in thinking speed, problem-solving, and organization. 

Other symptoms can include:

  • Slowed thinking 

  • Problems with attention and concentration

  • Difficulty with judgment and decision-making

  • Trouble following instructions or learning new information

  • Memory problems

  • Difficulty with language

  • Changes in sleep patterns

  • Urinary urgency or incontinence

Unique Care Challenges of Vascular Dementia

Supporting individuals diagnosed with vascular dementia has unique challenges. For one, a person diagnosed with vascular dementia may have fluctuating cognitive ability–they may have good days and bad days, which requires flexible care approaches. 

If your loved one has other physical health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, they will need additional support to ensure medications are taken on time and that they adhere to diet and exercise. 

In addition, vascular dementia can cause emotional and behavioral changes, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. These require compassionate support, though we understand that it will be difficult to see your loved one suffering from these problems. 

Supportive In-Home Care Services for Vascular Dementia

Supportive in-home care for vascular dementia is a great way to fill gaps in your loved one’s care schedule. While companions, like those from Joyful Companions, do not administer medical attention, they can help in many other important ways, all of which can support your loved one with vascular dementia. 

Some ways it can be effective include:

  • Providing routine and structure, including safe environments, to provide stability and reduce confusion.

  • Adds a layer of safety and security, as they can help monitor for falls, wandering, and provide cues to take medication.

  • Providing cognitive engagement through activities such as music, puzzles, games, and conversation helps stimulate the mind and maintain skills.

  • Supporting daily tasks such as meal prep, light housekeeping, and reminders for medications and appointments.

  • Providing essential emotional support through companionship and reassurance helps individuals engage in social interactions, reducing isolation and anxiety.

  • Helping your loved one meet the five needs for a healthy mind.

Joyful Companion’s Approach to Vascular Dementia Supportive Care

The companions from Joyful Companions are passionate, engaging, and helpful individuals, all of whom are dedicated to helping others diagnosed with dementia. Our approach always involves person-centered care, which means we tailor support to each individual’s needs, preferences, and routines. 

We also provide essential collaboration with families and their loved ones' care team. We help monitor your loved one’s behaviors and report back any changes or differences that we’ve noticed. This helps you adapt care plans as needed. 

Joyful Companions also provides ongoing companion education on the latest best practices for supporting individuals with vascular dementia. In this way, our companions can support your loved one with appropriate means that are supported by medical research and suggestions. 

Contact Joyful Companions Today for a Free Consultation

You want the best for your loved one diagnosed with vascular dementia, and so do we. Our flexible scheduling options and 24/7 round-the-clock support ensure you feel confident that your loved one is well cared for when you cannot be present. 

We strive to help families in any way we can. 

If you are in need of care, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Contact Joyful Companions today by calling 763-544-0401 or request a free consultation online.