Caring for a Person with dementia and Cognitive Decline
Caring for a relative who suffers from dementia poses significant challenges for the family. Alzheimer’s and other diseases related to cognitive decline
However, there are ways to make things better and you can start by improving your own communication skills. This will make the relationship with the patient more tolerable.
5 Difficulties you might struggle with along the way, and how to overcome them
1. Dealing with a bad mood
Body language and attitude communicate feelings and thoughts a lot stronger than actual words. It’s normal for patients struggling with dementia to get depressed every now and then.
As their caregiver, you have to be patient with them. Don’t get angry and try not to scream at them or lose your temper. Set up a positive, calm tone of voice
2. Communication issues
When caring for a patient with dementia, it’s normal to come across communication issues. At some point, your relative will start forgetting things, and as the condition advances, they may not remember your name
Your next step is to establish daily routines. Speak as calm as possible, stay calm and use simple words for your loved one to understand. If they misunderstand things, try not to argue with them and keep the tone of your voice
3. Physical disabilities
Most physical disabilities that happen in patients with dementia occur due to falling injuries or strokes.
The greater the severity of the problem, the tougher it is for the caregiver
For example, in the bathroom, you can have grab bars installed. You can also place a shower bench
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4. Dealing with boredom
It’s fundamental for a caregiver to understand that a patient struggling with dementia won’t be able to perform all the activities that they once performed. To them, life can get boring and empty, not to mention that depression might kick in as well.
In case of vision loss
If they can’t walk, turn to different types of activities such as playing games or reading. Whatever you do, make sure they feel valued and useful
5. Confusion and anxiety
Last but not least, we have to emphasize that all patients with dementia struggle with confusion and anxiety. These are enhanced at night, so always make sure that they have the light on when they go to bed.
Furthermore, if they lose track of time
Author: Edward Francis and Foresthc.com!
My 29 year old brother was diagnosed with Progressive Dementia at the age of 21 – he now requires full time care, including assistance with showering. He is very easily confused and often thinks of himself as a person with many different “careers”, including a Heart Doctor, NBA player and Race Car Driver, among many other things. He hates the dark (always sleeps with a light on) and often does not like to change his clothes – any type of change out of his normal routine is difficult for him. It has been extremely difficult on the family but through faith, family support and a lot of love, we are giving him the best life possible. I have started a blog for others to join in the journey as well – https://hismarvelousmind.blogspot.com/.
Oh my, our prayers go with you and your family and especially your brother.
Thank you for visiting us and best of luck with the new blog,
Sandy
How do you deal with night terrors? Also , my father wakes with these terrors and can’t seem to comfort him He becomes aggressive .
Hello Judy,
My Mom had the night terrors also and it can be very difficult to watch a loved one in this state.
1. First thing, be sure to have your loved once checked for any physical illness. Sometimes they aren’t aware that they are ill, but cry from pain that they may be having.
2. Be certain to have their activities for the day end early so they have time to unwind before bedtime.
3. Low music playing can help some folks with night terrors fall asleep more easily.
Judy, if you have the opportunity, ask your father’s physician if there might be something wrong.
Best luck finding everything helpful for your dad,
Sandy
For caregivers of those with dementia, who are coping with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, please see my blog posts at http://www.essentialpuree.com
The website containing recipes, tools and ingredients for the dysphagia kitchen. We will be posting a free download of nutritionally dense snacks for those with swallowing disorders, as several SLPs (speech language pathologists) of our acquaintance have informed Essential Puree of the need.
I also review the best kitchen tools for creating great pureed food with excellent flavor and clean nutrition.
My 77 year old mother was diagnosed with Frontaltemperal Dimentia and is declining. Wow. ..I don’t know where to begin. Very new to this disease.
I recommend the AFTD.or website. There is also an FTD chat Mondays @ 7ET. Go to caregiving.com to access.
My question is at what stage does the “Happy Stage” begin ?
Hello Dina,
I’m glad you found our website and I think you will learn many new things as you read a few of our articles. I began this blog because my mother had Alzheimer’s dementia. And, I can tell you, I sounded much like you, back then. I didn’t know where to begin either.
I think the most important thing is to accept your Mom as she is and bend your way as she changes, as she surely will. She will have no control over the changes that happen to her thinking, so think of her with love and patience.
You will certainly get aggravated and tired so take care of yourself too. And if you need– read often. Read here, join groups of others on Facebook who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Phone the Alzheimer’s support folks in your area. Attend groups in your area, join friends who have loved ones in the same situation.
And come back and visit us often.
All the best Dina, to you and your Mom,
Sandy
Caring for my Mother and she’s seeing and talking to people who she believes is here in the home with her. She asked me to fix a girl a plate of food. I work and try to be positive but sometimes it’s hard. Any feedback is much appreciated.
Cheryl, I do understand and know how difficult it is to know what to do or say during this time with your mother. I think the absolute best suggestion anyone can make is to “change the subject.”
Since they only remember for a second or two in the very late stages, it is very easy to change the subject. My Mom would ask if I’d take her home and I’d say “Sure, tomorrow.” Then 5 minutes later she’d ask me again. She didn’t remember she’d already asked, nor did she remember we were going tomorrow.
For example: If she wants a plate for her friend, you might say: “I’ll get that in just a moment.”
You learn to know when they will insist and when they will simply forget the request. My Mom was fairly happy because I was so agreeable. And even though we had many good times and conversations that she never remembered. I remembered every one.
Take respite when you need it, and be kind to yourself too.
Sandy