Rules of the Road for Dementia Caregivers
Caring for a loved one with dementia can transform a seemingly usual day into a venture filled with unexpected twists and turns. Pro-active dementia caregivers can prevent you from hitting a road block.
Yield
Nobody knows your loved one better than you do. You often rely on nonverbal communication to assist someone who suffers from dementia. Behavior changes when a loved one begins to feel frustrated or distraught. Stay alert! You will be able to prevent the situation from escalating with early intervention. Common behavioral changes might include:
- Increased fidgeting
- Pacing
- Mumbling to oneself
- Self isolation
- Scratching, pulling hair, hitting self or others
- Unusual sleep patterns
Change Lanes
It can be difficult to step back from an emerging situation but thinking about how your loved one is experiencing the situation can be helpful. Is he/she physically uncomfortable? Does he/she not comprehend the task? Does the situation remind him/her of an unpleasant personal experience? Your loved one may feel confused or frightened. A brief slowdown for assessment will get you both back on the same pace.
Detour
If your first approach does not work, try another route. When dementia is a factor, every situation can seem new to a forgetful loved one. You might succeed with an old method of redirection or you might need an entirely new method. Do not hesitate to ask for help and use available local resources. Fresh ideas can help to reduce dementia caregivers burnout.
Stop
Realize it is OK to walk away, take a breath, and regroup! Of course, your loved one should never be left in a situation that could prove harmful to him/her or others. Personal care is your number one priority. It is easy to get lost when caring for a loved one with dementia. You have numerous responsibilities to attend and you also have personal interests. Take time to care for yourself so that you will be able to present your absolute best when caring for a loved one.