When providing care for a person with dementia, patience is a must. It’s normal to have situations where you’re confused of what to do; if you’re unsure of how to treat dementia, don’t worry. Practice is essential if you want to interact with someone with dementia more effectively, help them with daily tasks, or regulate their aggressive behavior. Fortunately, changes can be made. In this video, I am going to be showing you, How to Deal with Dementia, now let’s begin.
#1.| Use a calm voice and make eye contact with them.
When you’re anxious or agitated, it might be challenging to remain composed, but doing so will help you handle the issue better. The individual can perceive you as a threat since they don’t know who you are. Try to stand or sit so that your eyes are level with theirs while you speak. Additionally, speak in a soothing, comforting tone to let them know that you are thinking about them.
- if you talk down to them, they could think you’re being pushy or that you’re attempting to rule them. They could be angry about this.
#2. | While they are speaking to you, make eye contact with the other person.
A nonverbal indication that you’re paying attention to them is making eye contact. This makes it clear to them that you value and appreciate what they have to say. Look them in the eye whenever you offer a question or notice them beginning to speak.
- Maintain a friendly or neutral expression while you listen. You may grin softly at them, for instance.
- Additionally, it helps to nod in agreement with what they’re saying to show that you’re paying attention.
#3. | Speak clearly and simply so that others can understand you, and allow them as much time as necessary to respond to your queries.
It may be difficult for you to be patient with them because you’re probably quite busy. However, they probably find it difficult to grasp what you’re saying. Keep your questions
- and instructions concise and straightforward so that others easily understand. Try to stick to a small vocabulary that includes popular terms as well.
- Is it cold? is a question you can ask. Instead of “Do you need more blanket?” do you need additional blankets to keep you warm?
- It is best to say “Drink your medicine” as opposed to “Okay, now you’re going to take this so you feel better.”
- You should wait for their response even if it could be quite challenging to keep your composure. They will probably require some time to think before responding to you. If they feel hurried, they could lose their temper or lose patience. Instead, be understanding with them while they falter to respond.
- You may say, “Think about it for whatever long you need to.”
#4. | Don’t argue against their views; just acknowledge them.
If you’re caring for a family member, this may be quite challenging. Given their confusion and memory issues, it’s possible that they will occasionally say the incorrect thing. It hurts a lot to correct them since what they’re saying feels so real to them. Instead, show them that you understood them by repeating back to them what they said.
- Say, “I am conscious of the fact that you had the wrong lunch today. I’m sorry that came to your mind, and tomorrow we’ll try to put things right.”
- It’s best to correct someone only after making sure that what they said is accurate. Additionally, conduct yourself as though the correction is a part of what they meant. Suppose, for instance “I’m aware that you’re upset since your dog isn’t here. He can’t come over right now, but I do have the nice blanket you adore.”
#5. | Permit them to speak out for themselves.
You’ll be inclined to do their talking, as they can’t possibly answer questions for themselves. But if they feel abused or ignored as a result, the individual could get enraged. Encourage them to talk instead of interjecting. After that, contribute as needed to close any gaps.
- If your doctor were to inquire, for example, How would your hip feel? Tell them, Grandma, how sore you are.
#6. | Any talks you have with others around you should bring them up.
If you act as if they aren’t there, they could get lost and unsure of what to say. As you speak, address them and ask them to contribute at any moment. They feel appreciated and welcomed as a consequence.
- Imagine yourself in a conversation with a relative who is visiting. When you arrive, ask the individual with dementia if they remember Kate. You may add, “Isn’t that funny?” later on in the conversation. One example is “Grandma, what do you think?” Even if what they say makes logical, it doesn’t matter. Just accept it so they feel included.
#7. | Recognize that the individual is probably stressed or terrified.
Fighting against violence may be challenging, particularly if a family member is involved. It’s acceptable to feel uneasy or outraged when someone is aggressively mistreating you. Keep in mind that they probably understand how you feel. Most of the time, you are in no way culpable for what the other person does. You should be able to make them feel at ease if you focus on resolving the cause of their worry or anxiety.
- The following aggressive actions should be avoided: yelling, pushing, shouting, and punching. They may also toss items under certain conditions.
- When the other person is being combative, it’s OK to take a break. This allows you to unwind and provides them time to settle down.
#8. | Use a soothing, quiet voice to reassure the person that you appreciate their sentiments.
Because it’s difficult for someone with dementia to communicate their needs, they may become hostile if they don’t feel understood. Having them know that you are listening to them can aid in their de-escalation. Let them know that you are aware of their feelings.
- You may remark, “You appear to be really disturbed about this, as I can see. I get how you must be feeling, and I want to be of assistance.”
- To make them feel as though their requests are being acknowledged, try to say “yes” as often as you can. When you have to answer “no,” attempt to make your response seem affirmative. If someone inquires, “Can I heat up my soup now?” for instance. “Yes, I’ll heat your soup right this second,” you say. Refrain from saying, “No, I’ll heat your soup for you.”
#9. | Verify that the person’s essential needs are being met.
Check to see if they are comfortable and if they have eaten, drunk enough fluids, or used the restroom. If you haven’t already, satisfy any unfulfilled requests as soon as possible. With this, they might be able to unwind once more.
- It is crucial to maintain a schedule in order to make sure that they are satisfying their demands. To allow them to eat, have a snack, use the toilet, and take their medication, schedule time.
#10. | If it doesn’t harm them, let them do what they want to.
Occasionally, if the behavior is not harmful to the individual or anybody else, it is OK to let it. If they get combative when you try to stop them from doing something, consider if
- the behavior is truly problematic. If it isn’t, let them to carry on while being watched to ensure their safety.
- Let’s imagine, for illustration purposes, that the wearer desires to combine the wearing of two shirts. Leave them alone; it won’t harm them.
- Just let them do it if they want to keep changing the TV channels, for example. If the television annoys you, turn it off. They’ll eventually grow fed up with doing this on their own.
#11. | Any triggers that may be upsetting the person should be removed as soon as you can.
Someone with dementia could get frightened by the presence of loud noises, bright lights, and odd smells. If you observe that they frequently get upset when a specific incident occurs, try to avoid the trigger in the future. They could become less aggressive as a result.
- If loud music is playing in another room, for example, you can notice that the person feels irritated. You might be able to calm them by turning down the noise.
- In a similar vein, people could feel agitated if they don’t recognize themselves in the mirror. The mirrors in the bathroom, bedroom, and hallway can be removed or covered in this case.
#12. | People may find serenity in items that remind them of their favorite hues, aromas, or memories.
If they are utilizing familiar objects, the person will feel more at ease and maintain their composure. It could also help them remember stuff they’ve forgotten. Speak with the person to find out what they previously valued and what their family members previously appreciated. After that, make an effort to include these items into their everyday lives.
- For instance, spray their preferred fragrance, provide their preferred foods, and display pictures of the individuals they cherish.
- Start playing their favorite music and turning on their favorite TV programmes in a similar manner. They’ll feel safe, which will help them feel happier.
#13. | Allow the person to help with daily tasks as soon as they are able.
Given that it is easier and takes less time to care for the individual, it makes natural that you would want to do so. However, integrating them in the process helps them maintain their independence and their capacity to carry out everyday activities. You’ll both benefit from this in the long run. Allow them to help you as much as you can, such as by assisting them with their own feeding.
- Different strategies should be used to include them, depending on how awful they are. For instance, a person with early-stage dementia might be able to finish most chores on their own.
- If It’s possible that the person can attempt independent duties like dressing or fetching food, but it’s also possible that they’ll need a lot of help. If someone has severe dementia, you might be able to finish a lot of the job for them.
#14. | To help with memory, scatter memory triggers about the home.
In the kitchen, label the drawers and cabinets in addition to the doors so that visitors will know which room they are in. To help the person remember to take their meds, set medication reminders. You may also put a list of daily duties where it would be most apparent, such on the refrigerator. Also, tailor the reminders to the person’s need.
- Hang a label if, for example, the individual is having trouble distinguishing which bedroom is theirs. Additionally, label the containers with “morning” and “night” separately to prevent confusion about which medication to take.
#15. | Offer them little quantities of foods they like if they aren’t eating enough.
People with dementia commonly decline meals due to eating difficulties or the possibility that they may not be aware of their hunger. They do, however, need nourishment. To help, provide them with smaller portions of simpler-to-eat foods that you are aware they like.
- A basic meal can consist of soup and mashed potatoes.
- Plan your meals in advance to establish a habit.
- If the individual begins to object to the food you’ve been providing, try an alternative. They may have developed a dislike for a particular flavor, such saltiness.
#16. | Make sure there are no obstacles or dangers of tripping on any of the pathways.
You don’t want to see anyone get hurt, so keeping the floor clean and taking walks outside can help. Make sure you sweep everyday to ensure that all paths are clear. They will be able to move around their home more safely as a result.
- If the individual has trouble with balance, make sure their cane or walker is constantly close by. Similar to this, make sure your children have sturdy furniture so they have something to hold onto.
- Make certain that rugs and carpets are flat and level with the ground. Trip risks may exist if the rug is flipped over or is deformed.
#17. | However, if you can, let them help. Educate them about good hygiene, and Put their clothing in the order they wear it to assist them in getting ready.
The person is required to brush their teeth, take a daily shower, and comb their hair. When possible, they should perform these tasks themselves. But you might have to intervene and help them. When helping with hygiene practices, exercise care.
- You may help them sit in the shower seat while still allowing them to use the washcloth independently.
- You might, for instance, arrange their clothing on their dresser. They should put on their underwear before donning their jeans and shirt. They arrive last if they are wearing shoes. They don’t have to think about it anymore, so they can now proceed with getting dressed.
- If they require assistance assembling the pieces, help them as well.
Hay thank you for watching The Paths In Life be sure to Subscribe, for more Life Topics on. The Paths In Life.
The Paths In Life 