Caring for an older loved one isn’t always easy, particularly if they suffer from dementia. There are many things to deal with between their emotions and sometimes difficult behavior. Not only it difficult for you as a caregiver, but it’s also complicated for the person navigating the illness with them. In order to make sure that everyone adjusts as well as they can, it’s important to know the right techniques.
By equipping yourself with the right advice and pointers, you can make things a little easier for everyone. Here are some of the best tips for handling a dementia patient.
Get a Diagnosis
At first, you may not want to believe that your family member is displaying dementia-like symptoms. The idea of sending them to a nursing home breaks your heart, and you may want to explore alternatives to sending them to a care facility. However, it’s important to make sure that you know exactly what you’re dealing with before you make a decision. Getting a diagnosis is critical.
Not every doctor is experienced in knowing the right signs to look for. Therefore, you may want to look into talking to a specialist. That way, you can be sure you’ve got the answers that you need as well as advice on how to move forward.
Keep Communication Simple
When someone has dementia, they can get overwhelmed by details. Try to keep interaction simple and to the point. Keep your sentences simple and ask questions that require a simple yes or no.
Try to maintain eye contact and always speak slowly. They can get confused and flustered easily. Always make an effort to remember that they don’t communicate the same way as you.
Be Patient
It can be challenging to understand what is going on and how to respond to it all. Rather than getting frustrated and hopeless, try to stay patient. You may want to consider a support group with other people going through a similar experience.
In addition to caring for your loved one, you should also take the time to give yourself what you need. Self-care is an essential part of being able to care for someone else. Caring for your own needs means that you’ll have enough to be able to give back to your loved one.
Don’t Forget The Power Of Touch
Most dementia experts will tell you that your loved one can benefit hugely from simple gestures of touch. Anything from holding their hand to stroking their face can be incredibly helpful for them.
They need reassurance during the confusion. It’s incredibly helpful if you provide it for them in the form of physical touch and affection.
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