Family Caregiver Strategies for Dementia Patients
Caregiver in Lake Forest IL
It isn’t uncommon for family caregivers to use their intuition when learning the ropes regarding caring for their loved one with dementia. Relating to someone experiencing memory loss doesn’t come with a lesson guide. Unfortunately, what seems right often isn’t the right thing to do when working with someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Following this practical advice will help in-home care more comfortable for everyone:
Being Rational and Reasonable Causes Trouble
Despite being taught that carefully explaining situations and ensuring loved ones are acting appropriately is the rational and reasonable way to behave, this will not receive a proper response from dementia patients. The “boss” in their minds is no longer working, therefore they need straightforward directions provided in simple sentences.
Being Grounded in Reality is Unnecessary
Those suffering from dementia are often forgetful, especially about events which occurred in their past. Reminders of losses they’ve experienced not only brings back that memory, but it makes them relive that pain. Dementia patients also forget that they are home when they are, in fact, already there. Reminders of this fact causes arguments. The proper reaction is redirection through conversation. Perhaps asking questions about what they like about their home, or about their favorite memory of the person they forgot they lost.
Perfection is Impossible
Striving to be the perfect family caregiver is akin to striving for perfect parenthood; it’s impossible. An array of perfectly normal human emotions will be experienced throughout home care including frustration and impatience. Learning to forgive yourself, as well as the situation is an essential part of successful elder care.
Deal Making is a Doozie
Making deals with an aging loved one suffering from dementia, like agreeing not do something they shouldn’t again or remember something important, is a mistake. The deal will be forgotten soon and lead to big issues. The family caregiver can take action by leaving post-it note reminders throughout their loved one’s home serving as reminders for important things.
Be Commanding
While this new role may be difficult, being commanding is more appropriate than asking dementia patients to make choices when they are unable to do so. For example, they may not be able to come up with the words to come up with a proper response when answering questions about what they would like for dinner or which movie they would like to watch. Instead, they need to be told they are eating and what they are watching. Guided activities helps solve dilemmas and leads to a more peaceful in-home care experience.
Day to Day Independence Juggle
It’s normal for a family caregiver to want their loved one to maintain their independence, but they also want them to avoid feeling frustrated or agitated when encountering things they can’t do. Remembering that elder care for dementia patients is a constant day to day balancing act, therefore there will be a juggling act between what they can and can’t do regularly. Gently introducing activities to gauge whether or not an activity can be accomplished is best and, if not, then redirect before agitation or frustration occurs.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Lake Forest, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
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