If a loved one is suffering from dementia, you will have to face considerable challenges when providing the right amount of care and support. Aside from the difficulty of keeping their emotions in check and communicating clearly, dementia patients may also suffer from sudden mood swings and aggressive behavior. This also puts an emotional strain on the very people who are taking care of them.
Nonetheless, you need to commit towards helping a loved one live with dementia. It can get complicated along the way, so check out the guide below for effective approaches in dealing with a loved one’s dementia as they progress into old age.
1. Good communication is key
There are a lot of problems when you are communicating with someone who has dementia. They may not be paying attention, or they may have trouble picking up what you just said to them. You will need to keep your cool and focus on making yourself clear to a patient. It all starts with your approach. You need to show that you are confident and positive so it will be easier to catch the attention of a patient. Whether you are asking a question or making a request, make sure that the message is simple and clear. It also helps to add an affectionate tone while you talk. Once you have mastered the way you communicate with a loved one, it becomes easier for you to manage behavioral problems.
2. Help with reminiscing
Dementia may have taken a toll on the short-term memory of your loved one, but it doesn’t get in the way of remembering events that happened decades ago. That’s because the initial phases of dementia mostly affect short-term memory. Before the condition engulfs the long-term memory of your loved one as it progresses, you may want to spend some time talking about past events they can still remember in detail. It’s a great way to make your loved one feel more relaxed since it involves digging up happier moments that are worth sharing.
3. Deal with the urge to wander
Dementia patients often have the urge to wander around. Whether it’s triggered by boredom or by the effects of the medication they are taking, wandering can actually lead to injuries. Worse, your loved one could find themselves in an unfamiliar place and lose their way back home. One way you can deal with this urge is to get a wearable GPS tracker for your loved one. You can also consider safety locks and other security features. Still, the best way you can control this urge is to accompany your loved one to where they desire to go.
4. Find a comfortable community
This should be your last resort when your loved one’s dementia continues to progress. You may not have the right amenities and expertise to handle advanced stages of memory loss, so consider looking for communities that specialize in memory care. If you live in the Northgate neighborhood of Seattle, consider care providers such as longhouse.com when it comes to giving your loved one ample support.
Dementia is a difficult condition to handle. With the right support strategies, it will be easier for you to manage it as a caregiver.
