Caring for a loved one with dementia has many challenges for families and caregivers. Your loved one elder who suffers from dementia conditions, that involves Alzheimer’s and related diseases has a progressive biological brain disease which makes it more difficult for them to remember things, communicate with others, think clearly, and take care of themselves. Dementia care for elderly, dementia can cause mood swings and even change a person’s personality and behavior. This fact provides some practical strategies which deal with the problematic behavior problems and communication difficulties often encountered when caring for a person with dementia.
We aren’t born to know the fact about how to communicate with a person with dementia but we can learn. Dementia cares for the elderly, you may improve your communication skills will help to make care giving less stressful and will likely improve the quality of your relationship with your loved one. Good communication skills will also boost your ability to handle the difficult behavior you may encounter as you care for a person with a dementing illness.
With dementia care for the elderly, set a positive mood for interaction. Your body language and attitude communicate your feelings and thoughts more strongly than your words do. Set a positive mood by speaking to your elder one pleasantly and respectfully. Use facial expressions, physical touch and tone of voice which may help to convey your message and show your feelings of affection.
Elderly care with dementia, use simple words and sentences for them. Speak distinctly, slowly and in a reassuring tone. If your loved one doesn’t understand the first time, use the same wording to repeat your message or question. If your elder one still doesn’t understand, wait a few minutes and rephrase the question. Use the names of people and places rather than abbreviations.
People with dementia often feel anxious, confused and unsure of themselves. Avoid trying to assure them they are wrong. Stay focused on the feelings of your loved one. Because, they are demonstrating (which are real) and respond with verbal and physical expressions of support, comfort, and reassurance. Sometimes touching, hugging, holding hands and praise will get the person to respond when all else fails.
Elder people with dementia may not remember what happened 45 minutes ago, but they can recall their lives 45 years earlier. Avoid asking questions like what they had for lunch that rely on short-term memory. Also maintain your sense of humor. Your loved one with dementia tends to retain their social skills and is usually delighted to laugh along with you.
People with dementia may become uncooperative and resistant to daily activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing. Often this is a response to feeling out of rushed, afraid, control, or confused by what you are asking of them. Break each task into steps and, in a reassuring voice and also explain each step before you do it. Find suitable ways to have them assist in their ability in the process, or follow with an activity that they can perform. Even with these many potential challenges, it’s important to remember that these behaviors are often coping tactics for a person with weakening brain function.