Caring for someone with dementia can be an overwhelming responsibility for community health workers as well as the patient’s family. Dementia is not a disease, rather a brain impairment or disorder that hampers the brain’s ability to make decisions, remember, or think clearly.
Dementia can progress into Alzheimer’s and other related diseases if not treated or cared for. In addition, dementia can change a person’s behavior and personality and cause mood swings. Here, we will share some useful tips that can help you deal with patients with dementia.
Spread Positivity
Your body language and attitude communicate thoughts and feelings more strongly than your words. You should try to set a positive mood by communicating with your loved one in a respectful and pleasant manner. Use physical touch, tone of voice, and facial expressions to show your feelings of affection and help convey your message.
Be Clear
Speak slowly and use simple sentences and words. Use a reassuring tone and refrain from lowering or raising your voice too high. Instead, use a calming tone and if the patient does not understand the first time, use the same sentence or words once more to explain. If the patient still does not understand, try rephrasing your words.
Listen Intently
It can take a while for people with dementia to respond to a question or a situation. Be patient and listen intently. Don’t rush them, and don’t be pushy. It is okay to suggest words as they try to answer. Keep an eye out for body language and verbal cues. Respond appropriately and always try to listen not just with your ears but with your eyes and heart as well.
Get Attention
When your loved one is speaking, try to limit distractions as much as you can by switching off the TV or radio, putting your phone aside, moving to a quieter environment, or by closing the door. Make sure you have the person’s attention before you start talking and introduce yourself (by addressing your name) while doing so. Also, if the person is seated or in bed, get down to their eye level to get their attention.
Ask Simple Questions
Questions with simple yes or no answers work best with people with dementia. Ask simple questions and refrain from leaving a conversation open-ended. If possible, use visual cues to help clarify what you mean by a particular question.
Show Affection and Reassurance
Dementia patients sometimes feel unsure, confused, and anxious. In addition, they may sometimes confuse reality with things that never really happened. Try not to convince them that they are mistaken. Respond with physical and verbal expressions of reassurance, support, and affection. Don’t dismiss their feelings and never ignore them. You can try hugging or holding their hand to show them that you care for them.
Conclusion
A person suffering from dementia can easily become agitated if there is too much pressure and too much to handle. Try to ease their frustration by limiting challenges and reassuring them.
If you are looking for home care services for your loved one, please get in touch with us so that we can assist you.