Dementia is a brain disorder that affects the way a human thinks, interacts, and behaves like a normal person. The disease is unlikely to occur in young people. People consider it as a normal occurrence to certain adults who are over a particular age range. If your loved one falls in the age range between 65 and 85, or maybe over, then it is a normal situation. In this case, there is no need to panic.
But taking care of a family member with Alzheimer’s dementia can be burdensome and emotionally draining. One person may be suffering from the disease, but they share the problem with almost every member of the family. That’s why many people are afraid of the disease.
People living with Alzheimer’s dementia need care from health providers and the people who are always around them. That’s why their loved ones need to learn about Alzheimer’s dementia to know how to take of them. This article will share some tips on how to care for someone with dementia. Learn more below.
Ten Tips To Help An Alzheimer Patient
1. Be Positive
The way normal people react to the mood you project is the same way with people living with dementia. They may have brain disorders, but they can see your facial expression. It sends a positive or negative message to them, depending on what your facial expression is at the moment. They can hear your voice and interpret it if it is harsh or soft. So, consider this when your loved one is down with Alzheimer’s.
Having a positive mindset not only benefits your loved one undergoing therapy for dementia but also creates a conducive environment for their overall well-being. Your emotional support and encouragement play a crucial role in their journey. Therapeutic interventions often include cognitive exercises and activities designed to stimulate the brain. Your positive mindset can motivate your loved one to actively participate in these exercises actively, enhancing the potential benefits of therapy.
2. Attract Their Attention
They want to feel your presence when you speak to them. You won’t achieve this if something is distracting them. One thing you can do is take away or turn off every form of distraction, such as TV or any surrounding noise. Instead, keep them focused on you through a constant eye or body contact (touch).
Engage their senses with activities like music, touch, or scents. Establish a structured environment and routine to provide security, avoiding sudden changes. Plan enjoyable activities, such as arts and crafts or gentle exercise, based on their interests. Utilize memory aids like visual cues or written notes. Be patient, understanding that responses may take time, and adapt your approach to each individual’s unique preferences and abilities while prioritizing their comfort.
3. Articulate Your Words
Most times, people with this problem don’t understand statements at once. Using abbreviations or pronouns might even make things worse. They need you to flow in easy words that they can comprehend. If they need you to repeat your statement, it doesn’t mean they cannot hear you, so you don’t have to intensify your voice. Be calm and repeat the same words.
4. Ask Easy-To-Answer Questions
Questions with lengthy replies make it nearly impossible for them to respond. If your loved one has this brain disorder, ask only simple questions to ensure better interactions with them. If you want to make things simpler, you can use signs or images to represent your questions. You can as well reconstruct the questions to have a yes or no response.
5. Be Observant
Sometimes their reactions and body languages are their responses to your questions. Observe these movements and react positively to them.
Notice their gaze and eye movements, as they can indicate engagement and attention. Even if verbal communication is limited, listen to the tone and pitch of their voice for emotional cues. Be mindful of repetitive behaviors or signs of agitation, which may suggest anxiety or an unmet need.
Consider the environment, as loud noises or bright lights can be overwhelming. Pay attention to how they respond to touch, respecting their comfort levels. Engage in active listening, validating their feelings, and creating a calm atmosphere with a routine to promote security.
6. Consistency
Doing things in a particular way can help people with Alzheimer’s dementia get used to you and the things around them. For example, you can maintain certain routines at home to make things easier to understand and follow.
7. Keep A Calm Environment.
One thing that can cause people living with dementia to worry and be anxious sometimes is an uncomfortable environment. You can support their comfort when you keep the environment calm. One question you may ask is how you can keep the environment calm. Eliminating noises and too much brightness is a way you can achieve this.
8. Nutrition Check
If you are in charge of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s dementia, one of your priorities should be nutrition. People with this illness should have more frequent meal sessions. Furthermore, you must check the frequency of their water consumption. Working according to the individual’s body weight, a minimum of 1.5kg and a maximum of 2.5kg of water in a day is fine.
9. Positive Assurance
Your presence matters to them a lot. If, for any reason, they will not see you for a while, always assure them that their safety is the reason for your absence. In situations like this, encouraging words work well. Encouraging words may come as to how long you will be away and things you will probably get for them. This will keep them at ease for the period you are absent.
10. Avoid Violence
People with this problem sometimes get violent and tend to be dangerous to you and themselves. Changing your location will be the best line of action at this point. Remember to rid them and the environment of dangerous items before leaving their presence.
Conclusion
One thing you must work on is your relationship with people living with Alzheimer’s dementia. Basically, you must create a way to communicate with them without adding more confusion to them. This is what distinguishes your relationship between them and normal people. We hope these ten tips add to your knowledge and support your effort in taking care of your loved one.
