Here are some things to remember not to say to someone with dementia, and what you can say instead.
- “You're wrong”
- “Do you remember…?”
- “They passed away.”
- “I told you…”
- “What do you want to eat?”
- “Come, let's get your shoes on and get to the car, we need to go to the store for some groceries.”
Hiding and hoarding may be an attempt by the person to have some control of their situation. The person may also feel paranoid or have delusions and believe their things will get stolen, so they may try to hide or protect them. A person with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may be more likely to hoard.
The importance of routine and familiarity to persons with dementia is profound! Daily structure can help decrease these undesired behaviors such as aggression, restlessness and agitation. As a result, the caregiver will experience less stress and be able to give better care.
Keep upholstery and floor patterns simple, and with minimal pattern. Avoid clashing colors. On floors, avoid wavy lines, stripes, or changes of color between rooms. Replace socket and switch plates with ones that are a contrasting color to the wall.
Remember that, when it comes to making up stories, dementia patients are not intentionally causing trouble. Unless an elderly loved one has a history of compulsive lying or malingering, it is likely that their fabricated stories are purely a product of their cognitive decline.
A Plan for Dementia CareFor instance, it will include important information about the individual, such as their name and date of birth, the name they answer to, their likes and dislikes, their background and interests, and ideas for caregivers to use when speaking to them.
The truth is, Alzheimer's patients may feel boredom as deeply as anyone else. And when they can no longer plan their own activities, the boredom can turn to frustration. A person may start wandering the house or become agitated, all because his mind and body has been idle for too long.
Limit visitors to 1 or 2 people at a time. Too many people can be overwhelming. Schedule visits for the time of day when your older adult is usually at their best. Minimize distractions by keeping the environment calm and quiet.
In-home care includes a wide range of services provided in the home, rather than in a hospital or care facility. It can allow a person with Alzheimer's or other dementia to stay in his or her own home. It also can be of great assistance to caregivers.
For safety reasons, you should never lock or trap a person with dementia in a home alone. If someone is there with them you can block the doors. People with late-stage dementia might think it's a hole and won't go near it.
Dementia-friendly environments: Kitchens and dining areas
- Kitchens. Making it clear where things are - whether in a kitchen or a dining room - always helps a person with dementia.
- A clear view.
- Labelling and plain surfaces.
- Issues to consider.
- Dining areas.
- Table settings.
- Furniture.
- Table lay-outs.
Non-verbal communication is very important for people with dementia. Try to make eye contact with the person every time you speak to them. Also, physical contact such as gently holding their hand or wrapping an arm around them is often appreciated. It gives them a sense of security and being loved.
Comfort the person with verbal and physical reassurance. Distraction or redirection might also help. Giving your loved one a job such as folding laundry might help to make her feel needed and useful. People with dementia may become uncooperative and resistant to daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Dementia affects everyone differently so it's important to communicate in a way that is right for the person. Listen carefully and think about what you're going to say and how you'll say it. You can also communicate meaningfully without using spoken words.
What's Included in Memory Care Rooms and Facilities
- Add Natural Lighting. Ample lighting is an important element in a dementia patient's memory care room.
- Choose Color Contrasting Furniture.
- Remove Mirrors.
- Add Sentimental Home Décor.
- Create the Snoezelen Experience.
Enjoyable Games for Dementia & Alzheimers Patients
- Bingo. Bingo is a large group activity that provides time for socialization in the midst of the game.
- Dominoes. A classic game of dominoes can be both enjoyable and nostalgic.
- Old Maid.
- Memory.
- Checkers.
Tips for managing dementia end-of-life signs.These signs may include moaning or yelling, restlessness or an inability to sleep, grimacing, or sweating. This may also signal that it's time to call hospice or a palliative care team to help with the pain management.
If the person with dementia has complex health and care needs, they may be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. This is free and is funded by their local clinical commissioning group (CCG). A diagnosis of dementia doesn't necessarily mean the person will qualify for NHS continuing healthcare.
Suggested Stimulating Activities for Alzheimer's
- Bake or cook simple recipes together.
- Clean around the house.
- Do arts and crafts, such as knitting and painting.
- Look at books the person used to enjoy.
- Organize household or office items, particularly if the person used to take pleasure in organizational tasks.
Research shows that reducing visual clutter in the daily lives of Alzheimer's and dementia patients may help them better perform daily tasks and avoid situations that may cause confusion or injury around the home. Researchers found the more complex an image was, the harder it was for the patient to tell the difference.
Communicating with a person with dementia requires belief, creativity, understanding, patience and skill. be reached. Creativity in expressing both your feelings and your message. Understanding the effect of the disease on communication.
There usually aren't major changes in cognitive function from day to day for Alzheimer's patients. On the other hand, it's common with another form of dementia called Lewy body dementia. This under-recognized and under-diagnosed dementia can result in an apparent improvement in symptoms.
There are many options for gardening activities that can meet the dementia patient where they are in terms of ability. Touching nature and being able to watch something grow can be an important aspect of one's care. Music. Sing or listen to music that your loved one really enjoys.
How to reduce your risk of dementia
- Be physically active. Doing regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia.
- Eat healthily.
- Don't smoke.
- Drink less alcohol.
- Exercise your mind.
- Take control of your health.
