Six Guidelines For The Care Of Someone With Dementia
There are a mix of emotions a family member of a person with dementia can go through upon discovering its onset. Heartbreak and anger are just a couple of them. The person you love who was once independent and sure is slowly declining before your eyes. This can understandably cause confusion and doubt as your loved one says and does things that are out of character, leaving you at a loss of how to handle the situation. Here is a list of six helpful guidelines to remember when caring for a person with dementia:
1. They will need more of your attention. A person with dementia will begin to do less and less for themselves. When visiting you may notice not as much food in the fridge, that maybe they haven’t showered, or that they have been in bed and it’s the middle of the day. This is your first clue that something is amiss.
2. They will need their dignity. This person is vulnerable, because they are no longer maintaining their hygiene at a sufficient level, and need help and guidance with those tasks. However, they are no less of a person because of this disease.
3. Have patience. They move and do things at a slower pace. Because of this, one may be tempted to do most everything for them, but letting them do these tasks and providing the time to do them is good for their well being — both physically and mentally.
4. Be stubborn. Your loved one may simply lack the motivation to carry out tasks, and sometimes you will have to dig your heels in and provide that extra push.
5. Keep communication lines open in your family. Not all family members will have the opportunity to visit often or stay updated on the status of the loved one with dementia. Keeping them in the loop will alleviate some of the shock and doubt they may have when they are around.
Also, speaking of communication be prepared to repeat yourself many times, and to speak louder and clearer to the person with dementia.
6. Ask for help. It is easy and understandable to get frustrated as you take on more responsibility. This is where asking for outside help can come in handy. There is no shame in that. We all need time and space to recharge our batteries. Consider a provider or adult day care center: contact us. We can help.
There may not be a cure for dementia, but remembering these guidelines can make the burden easier to bear for everyone involved.