Dos and Don'ts of Dementia Care

September 20th, 2016 by admin

Here are some basic dos and don’ts to keep in mind when creating a care plan for dementia patients:

Do…

• Stay positive

  It can be difficult at times, but it’s important to make an effort to keep a positive attitude when interacting with someone who suffers from dementia. Dementia patients are easily stressed, and keeping your interactions free from unnecessary tension will help tremendously. Dementia care requires a lot of patience, but a positive tone and open body language will help your loved one feel more at ease.

• Be concise

  Long-winded explanations can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming for dementia patients. Keep your answers short and limit your loved one’s choices to keep them from feeling anxious.

• Take your time

  Realize that your loved one is simply going to take more time to accomplish even the little things. Do not hurry them; walk slowly both when you are approaching them and while with them. When you’re tempted to get frustrated, practice empathy and understanding.

Don’t…

• Forget the good times

  With many dementia diseases, short term memory can be a problem, but many patients can easily recall events from decades earlier. When forming a care plan for dementia, try to incorporate shared memories or ask about your loved one’s past. This can often be a therapeutic activity and can allow you to connect with your loved one.

• Neglect your sense of humor

  During a stressful and emotionally painful time, it can be easy to forget about the importance of laughter. However, it can be beneficial for those in need of dementia and Alzheimer’s care — and their caregivers — to maintain their sense of humor. Although they may have trouble with everyday tasks, most patients still have their social skills and enjoy a good laugh. Keeping good morale and humor intact is important during tough times.

• Be afraid of distraction

  Having a predictable care plan for dementia often isn’t realistic; although you can prepare for events, these diseases present themselves in unexpected ways, depending on the patient and even on the time of day. When your loved one becomes upset or agitated, it’s often best to change the subject or the scenery. Distraction can help with memory care activities and can reset the mood of your loved one. Changing your tactic can be important when caring for dementia diseases.

These tips will help develop a cohesive care plan for dementia and can help you understand what your loved one is going through, but you don’t have to take on the task of caring for your family member on your own; our Alzheimer's care centers are fully equipped to handle any memory care needs that arise. Please contact us today to find out more about our care facilities.

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