Taking Care of a Relative With Dementia

Loved ones that are suffering from dementia can pose a challenge for family. Many people feel the person would be more comfortable in familiar surroundings, so they try to care for them at home, rather than putting them in a nursing home. Families caring for loved ones with dementia need to know that they are not alone. Support is available through many resources.

Communication May Be Difficult

People with dementia have trouble communicating, and they may not understand what you are trying to tell them. It is important to speak to them in a pleasant way. Often, you can make them understand with body language, touching to show affection, and if needed, repeat what you are saying as simply as possible.

Maintaining eye contact can help with communication. Too many things going on at the same time may prevent your loved one from focusing on what you are saying. You may need to turn off the television or take them to a quieter area of the home. Keeping questions simple or actually showing them choices can be helpful.

Behavioral Issues

One of the hardest parts of taking care of someone with dementia is the changes that occur in behavior and personality. You may feel as if you don’t know the person anymore. Your loved one is still the same person. They just have a brain disorder that they cannot control. It is important to be patient and take breaks. This is why companies such as Home Care Connectors provide personal care services greenwich ct.

It is impossible to control the behavior of someone with dementia. The best way to handle it is to be as accommodating as possible while protecting them. If your loved one is insistent about going outside, take them on a walk. If you do not, you may turn your back, and they will go on their own.

Some behaviors are triggered by your loved one’s surroundings. Try to notice these things. If they become agitated or aggressive when there are a lot of people around, it is best to limit the number of people in the room. Be flexible. Keep in mind that the way you handled things today may not work tomorrow.