Caring for a loved one with dementia can be hard work. Providing support to someone who has difficulty acknowledging the support itself is complicated.
That’s how dementia and care giving for dementia works. The gradual memory loss is today experienced by over 50 million people worldwide, with approximately 10 million new reported cases arising each year.
In each case, patients receive different kinds and degrees of care. Regardless, one thing is certain: this kind of care takes immense thought and understanding.
To help families and caregivers out on supporting someone with dementia, we have listed a few things to avoid during the journey:
1. Denying the signs of dementia
Ignoring or denying the signs of dementia are some of the leading reasons why the disorder progresses fast, and why patients’ health deteriorate. It’s common for friends and family to remain in denial about a love one’s dementia to delay the inevitable emotional stress.
In order to give early and good care to your loved one, you must come out of denial, help them through their frustration if they themselves are in denial, and let them know that you will support them.
2. Getting in arguments
People helping someone with dementia often find it hard to keep their cool in the early stages of care giving. Memory loss is tricky; people say things they don’t mean or understand.
If you ever find yourself in a conflict with your loved one, understand they are already under a lot of pressure handling new and old memories.
Change the subject till the other person is calm and lucid enough. Be compassionate.
3. Recalling bad memories
If a person with dementia does not have a recollection of a bad life event, like someone’s death, avoid reminding them unless necessary.
If they feel confused or hurt that a certain deceased relative no longer “visits” them, do not remind them that their loved one is dead. Lying or steering clear of the conversation is sometimes the best option.
4. Asking if they “remember” things
The likely answer will be a negative. Unless you are asking if they remember something because it is urgent, steer clear of the question. It’s inconsiderate, anxiety-inducing for the other person, and damaging to their well-being.
It is not that they are not remembering things because they are not “racking their brains” hard enough; they cannot help it. That is the reality of dementia.
5. Delaying necessary nursing care
If you are providing care to your loved one yourself, it’s possible that you may fall short of adequate care and support that nursing healthcare experts can provide.
With the progress of dementia, memory care becomes inevitable, to both give your loved one a happy and healthy lifestyle and to help you both maintain a good relationship.
We can help you provide yourself or your loved one the right assisted living facilities for memory care. Patriot Senior Care‘s senior living advisors can meet all your needs extra assistance.
Reach out to us to let us design care in a way to ensure maximum support.
