Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel as frustrating as trying to grasp quantum physics. It entails trying to make sense of what appears nonsensical, and responding in ways that seem counterintuitive to everything you’ve learned until now. Yet with some simple strategies for dementia care, you can feel more self-assured and effective in your role, and help the senior you love feel accepted, understood, and content.
How Can I Provide Better Alzheimer’s Care?
Focusing on these strategies for dementia care from our experts in elder care in Belleville, IL and the surrounding areas is a great place to overcome some of the typical hurdles to providing the best dementia care.
- Come to terms with your flaws. First and most importantly, extend yourself the grace of being human. There will be plenty of times you wish you had handled a scenario in a different way, and that’s okay. Forgive yourself fully, and learn from what happened.
- Let go of reason. With Alzheimer’s disease, conventional reasoning and logic are often totally ineffective. Instead of engaging in a debate over something you don’t agree on, such as the need to get dressed, switch to using simple, straightforward, and short statements, such as: “Let’s put this pretty sweater on.”
- Occasionally, a little white lie is best. With dementia, honesty just isn’t always the best policy. It can lead to agitation, confusion, and a meltdown. If the senior believes they are an employee of the doctor’s office, join into this alternate reality, possibly by providing a briefcase and some “paperwork” to take to the next appointment.
- Allow extra time and space for independence. You might find it simpler to take over most of the daily responsibilities the senior can no longer do easily or quickly. Yet, in seeking to minimize the person’s frustration, you may be hampering their sense of self-worth. If dressing alone takes twice as long, plan for that extra time so no one feels hurried.
- Make questions simpler. It may seem totally reasonable to ask the person what they would like for lunch, or what they want to do that day. However, if the person is unable to articulate an answer, it could lead to frustration that can quickly escalate. A yes or no question may be more effective: “Would you like grilled cheese for lunch?” Or, simply tell the individual: “Let’s go to the park!”
- Remind yourself that it is ok to ask for support. Taking care of a loved one with dementia is definitely not a one-person task. Dementia care, particularly as the disease advances, is a 24/7 endeavor, and attempting to do it all by yourself is a guaranteed way to experience burnout. When someone offers a helping hand, accept it, and provide specific tasks you need assistance with. If no one offers, do not hesitate to ask.
Can In-Home Care Help Someone With Dementia?
Definitely! One of the best ways to guarantee the best care for someone you love with dementia is by partnering with a dementia care expert. At Morning Glory Home Care, a trusted provider of elder care in Belleville, IL and the nearby areas, our staff are fully trained and experienced in creative, effective approaches to dementia care, and we’re here for you with as much or as little support as you need. Give us a call at 618-667-8400 and let us know exactly how we can help.