Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia can be especially challenging for family caregivers. It can be difficult to accept that your loved one is struggling with memory and can be painful when the disease progresses and more and more memories are lost.
Below are some strategies and tips to help you better take care of your loved one with dementia.
Best Strategies & Tips To Deal With Dementia for Caregivers:
1. Be in Their Reality – Remember that what your loved one remembers and experiences is real for them. Don’t correct them. Let their reality play out and gently redirect them to the present.
2. You Know More Than the Doctor About Your Loved One –
3. Ask For Help – Dementia is a disease. It’s ok to ask for help. You can’t do it all. Don’t be afraid to lean on your family and social network for support and for breaks. Professional caregiving or respite care can give you the break you need. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to care for your loved one.
4. Limit Questions and Choices – Questions can be confusing and frustrating for those with dementia. It can be difficult to keep from asking questions, but try to use statements in conversations. You should also limit choices. Multiple choices are difficult for people with dementia. It’s ok to give choices, but try to limit choices to two.
5. Have Fun – One critical factor is making sure you enjoy the journey, as difficult as it may be. Be willing to embrace the chaos, laugh when you can, and understand your loved one has a new “normal.”
If you need more information about dementia or Alzheimer’s in-home/at-home care, call us at 615-298-9201.