Supporting and Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia
Having a loved one diagnosed with dementia can come as a shock. Feelings of grief, sadness, denial, embarrassment, and even anger can be quite common. On the other hand, it can also provide a sense of relief to have your suspicions that something is wrong finally validated, allowing you and your family to seek out the help you need to support and care for your loved one with dementia.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not actually a specific disease; rather, it is a term that is used to describe a variety of memory-related diseases. Some of the early symptoms of dementia may include short-term memory loss, depression, increased levels of confusion, difficulty carrying out daily tasks, and difficulty following instructions.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most widely known form of dementia, followed by Lewy body dementia (LBD), a name that became more well-known following the HBO documentary “Robin’s Wish” which tracks the difficult final years of Robin Williams’ life. A form of progressive dementia, LBD affects a person’s ability to think, reason, and process information. One of the features that distinguish LBD from other forms of dementia is that it can cause Parkinson-like movement symptoms.
Other common types of dementia include Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Mixed dementia, and Young-onset dementia. There are many other types of dementia; however, they are not as common.
Caring for Loved Ones Living with Dementia
It is important to remember that many people with dementia often do not believe that they need help. This can result in power struggles, mood swings, and angry outbursts, which can really take a toll on family caregivers.
One of the best ways that you can support and care for a loved one living with dementia is to educate yourself about the disease, take care of YOURself, and be realistic in your expectations for both yourself and your loved one. Here are a few things you can do to help make each day a little better for everyone involved:
Establish a Routine
One of the best ways to support and care for a loved one living with dementia is to try to foster an orderly, peaceful home environment. Keeping to a routine, such as getting bathed and dressed upon waking, having meals at the same times each day, and planning in quiet times throughout the day, can help to reduce stress and keep your loved one calm.
Limit Distractions, Noise & Clutter
Turning off the TV, closing curtains, and shutting doors, can help provide a calming environment that will help keep your loved one from feeling anxious, particularly when you are trying to talk to them or engage them in an activity. Feelings of confusion and agitation are common in people living with dementia, and too many distractions often worsen these feelings. Reducing caffeine intake and sugar consumption can also help reduce these feelings.
Learn Better Ways to Communicate
Ask simple questions, one at a time, preferably those that have yes or no answers. For example, “Would you like to wear your pink shirt or your yellow shirt?” is better than “Which shirt would you like to wear today?”
Remember, your attitude can often communicate your feelings more than your words ever could. Speaking to your loved one in a respectful and pleasant manner can make a huge difference in how they respond, setting a positive mood and improving the quality of your relationship.
It is also important not to argue with your loved one over things that do not matter. Arguing over a forgotten memory is not going to help. Learn to be willing to let things go.
Accept, Adapt, and Prepare for the Journey
Dementia is not a death sentence; however, it is a journey and you may need to plan for various stages along the way. Focus on what is possible rather than what is not, and help your loved one live a full, dignified life by letting them do things for themselves when they can. Find ways to help boost their sense of self-worth and celebrate small victories along the way.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is not a sprint, it is a marathon, so it is important that you seek out help and support along the way.
Visiting Angels is Here to Help
Visiting Angels provides specialized dementia care services tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Our friendly and compassionate caregivers can provide the help needed to allow your loved one living with dementia to remain in the familiar surroundings of their own home. Give us a call today at 951-727-4357 to schedule a free in-home consultation.