Caring for someone suffering from a dementia disorder can be extremely challenging. For one thing, the person may not even realize you are there to help, and may actually see you as a bother or threat. It takes a special temperament, along with love and dedication to deliver proper Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Here are some useful tips for the home caregiver, to make the process a little easier.
Communication Tips
The dementia patient may sometimes find communications difficult, and this can lead to withdrawing from social contact and loss of self esteem. Here are ways to improve communications:
- Talk slowly and make sure the person understands what you are saying.
- Listen carefully and refrain from interrupting
- When communicating is difficult don’t make it hard on the patient. Instead, ask questions which can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”.
- Keep eye contact so the patient knows you are listening
- Do not treat this person like a child and allow them to speak to others on their own behalf whenever possible. This helps to maintain self confidence.
Maintaining Independence
One of the most important things about Alzheimer’s and dementia care is patient independence. Everyone likes to feel they can do things for themselves and this can make the difference between going on and giving up. Here are tips for encouraging independence:
- Take your time and be patient – remember, he or she is not acting this way on purpose.
- Be there with praise when they do something good and encouragement when they fail.
- Don’t give the patient complicated tasks to perform. Instead, break things down into small and simple tasks. This help to avoid frustration which can come with mental and emotional problems.
- Focus on the positive and downplay the negative
- Instead of doing everything for the patient, work on some tasks together as a team. This helps to maintain self worth.
The Importance of Empathy
When you imagine yourself as the patient, it can greatly help to facilitate Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Don’t be quick to dismiss minor concerns, because they seem trivial to you. Remember, they could be very important to your patient.
Take Regular Breaks
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be time consuming and very stressful at times. Try to take a break from the routine on a regular basis. In fact, you can hire Alzheimer’s and dementia care professionals to come to the home and provide assistance. This can make life easier for everyone in the household.
When you need assistance with Alzheimer’s and dementia care, you can turn to Business name for professional help. We have been providing care to families in the DC and surrounding areas for nearly 40 years, and you can find us online today at website Url for more details. You can also like them on Facebook.
