Dementia is a widely used collective phrase typically used to describe symptoms of impairment in thinking, communication, memory, and other brain disorders which might lead to cognitive decline or forgetfulness.
Caring for patients with dementia is a lot more complex and requires a holistic approach that focuses on the physical, spiritual, and mental health of ones receiving dementia care. Here’s a roundup of dos and don’ts of dementia care to help you get started.
Dementia Care: 3 Dos
#1 DO Create A Calm Environment
Try to create an audibly and visually quiet environment while maintaining a comfortable temperature. Noisy distractions, confusing patterns, and clutter can cause frustration and confusion among patients with dementia compared to calmer sensory environments.
#2 DO Support Their Need For Interdependence
You can help stave off frustration by encouraging independence to feel connected to doing whatever they desire. Let’s say they want to help set the dinner table. Help them feel good by asking them to get plates or glassware that don’t easily break to make them feel good about themselves.
Asking them to help wash the car, fold the laundry, or do simple chores helps enhance their dignity rather than defaulting that they can’t perform basic tasks on their own anymore.
#3 DO Establish A Familiar Routine
While changes in life may be inevitable, it becomes more challenging for those living with dementia. Establishing day-to-day routines will help the caregiver and the patient understand what to expect, allowing the days to run smoothly.
Experts recommend setting similar times for bedtime and establishing regular schedules for a set eating routine. However, always be ready to go with the flow if there is a need for improvising when your loved one with dementia might be moving to a different pace on some particular days.
Dementia Care: 3 Don’ts
#1 DON’T Scold, Argue Or Speak In A Negative Tone
Misunderstandings and hurt can be avoided by speaking to loved ones with dementia positively,which helps them feel dignified. Try avoiding speaking to them as if they were a child or being disruptive each time they try to engage in some activity or conversation. Refocus their attention by averting it to positive activities that pose no risk or danger to them.
#2 DON’T Live In The Past
While it may get frustrating at times, ensure never to say ‘why don’t you remember’ or ‘I just told you three times‘ because it’s not their fault that they might not remember even if you repeatedly told them.
You should find ways to nurture and stay connected to them emotionally. Tell stories, express your feelings, and find ways to communicate, even if their receptiveness has started receding.
#3 DON’T Fight It
Dementia is pretty much what it is; you can’t bend the rules to change it. Hence you might need to learn to adapt to the changes needed to work around it. Try to default on a path where you don’t resist much, but if it’s getting too stressful for you to handle other family members, work, and the patient, connect with experts at Embassy Home Healthcare.
Our home health care business team consists of skilled and compassionate LVNs, occupational therapists, PAS attendants, and other specialists to provide an empowering experience to patients with the utmost quality, compassion, and care.
For those looking to get help for seniors at home, we also provide custom-tailored long-term health plans to patients with conditions that need better managing while enabling them to return to their accustomed levels of independence.
We also offer a complimentary evaluation and stringent plans via the cutting-edge home care scheduling software. Get in touch with us to find out about senior care tips, in-home caregiver pricing, and products for daycare facilities.