Caring For Someone With Dementia

What Family Caregivers Need To Know About

Caring For Someone With Dementia

Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease itself but rather a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions or diseases. Dementia is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities that is severe enough to interfere with a person's daily life and activities.

The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, accounting for about 60-80% of cases. Other causes include vascular dementia, which occurs due to impaired blood flow to the brain, and Lewy body dementia, which is associated with abnormal protein deposits in the brain.

The symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the cause and stage of the disease, but they often include memory loss, difficulty with language and communication, impaired judgment, confusion, personality changes, and problems with performing familiar tasks. As the condition progresses, individuals with dementia may experience difficulties with self-care, mobility, and coordination.

Dementia is typically a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time. However, the rate of progression can vary among individuals. Currently, there is no known cure for most types of dementia, but certain medications and interventions may help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Supportive care, including creating a safe and supportive environment, providing emotional support, and assisting with daily activities, is crucial in improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

 There Are Many Types of Dementia

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Vascular Dementia

• Lewy Body Dementia

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Krosakoff Syndrome

• Huntington’s Disease

• Frontotemporal Dementia

There are many challenges when caring for someone with dementia. Here are some tips to overcome these challenges.

 Communication

When communicating with someone who has dementia, it's important to remember that their cognitive abilities may be impaired, making it necessary to adjust your approach. Here are some tips to effectively communicate with someone who has dementia:

1. Maintain a calm and reassuring demeanor: Approach the person with a friendly and calm attitude. Speak in a gentle tone and use a relaxed body language. Your non-verbal cues can help create a positive and comfortable environment.

2. Use simple and concise language: Keep your sentences short and simple. Avoid using complex or ambiguous words that may confuse the person. Speak slowly and clearly, allowing them enough time to process what you're saying.

3. Be patient and allow extra time: People with dementia may take longer to understand and respond to conversations. Give them ample time to process the information and express themselves. Avoid rushing or interrupting them. Patience is key to effective communication.

4. Ask one question at a time: Present questions or information in a clear and straightforward manner. Asking multiple questions at once can overwhelm and confuse the person. Give them time to respond before moving on to the next topic.

5. Use visual aids and gestures: Visual aids, such as photographs or simple drawings, can help enhance understanding and memory. Pointing or using gestures can also assist in conveying your message. Visual cues often complement verbal communication effectively.

6. Maintain eye contact and show interest: Establishing eye contact helps to engage the person and shows that you are interested in what they have to say. Be attentive, actively listen, and respond with empathy. This can help build trust and create a positive connection.

7. Avoid correcting or arguing: It's common for people with dementia to have memory lapses or difficulties with reality. Correcting or arguing with them can lead to frustration and agitation. Instead, focus on the emotions behind their words and respond with empathy and understanding.

8. Use positive body language: Your body language should be warm, open, and inviting. Smile, nod, and use gentle touches if appropriate, as these can help convey a sense of comfort and reassurance.

9. Limit distractions: Choose a quiet and comfortable environment for your conversation, free from excessive noise or distractions. Minimize background distractions such as television or loud music, as they can interfere with communication.

10. Be flexible and adapt: Communication needs may vary from person to person, so be prepared to adapt your approach based on the individual's preferences and abilities. What works for one person with dementia may not work for another, so remain flexible and patient.

Remember, effective communication with someone with dementia requires understanding, empathy, and patience. By using these tips, you can help create a positive and meaningful connection with the person you're communicating with.

 Aggression

When dealing with aggression in a person with dementia, it's important to remember that their behavior is not intentional but rather a manifestation of the underlying condition. Here are some steps you can take to manage the situation:

1. Stay calm: It's crucial to remain calm and composed. Agitation can escalate if you respond with anger or frustration.

2. Ensure safety: Make sure that you and the person with dementia are safe. If necessary, remove any objects that may cause harm or create a potentially dangerous environment.

3. Identify triggers: Try to identify the factors that may be triggering the aggression. It could be pain, discomfort, fear, frustration, or an unmet need. Understanding the triggers can help you address the root cause of the aggression.

4. Redirect attention: Gently redirect the person's attention to something positive or engaging. This could involve changing the subject, introducing a favorite activity, or providing a sensory stimulus like calming music or a familiar object.

5. Validate emotions: Acknowledge the person's feelings without arguing or contradicting them. Use empathetic statements like, "I can see that you're upset. I'm here to help you."

6. Maintain structure and routine: A structured environment with consistent routines can help reduce confusion and anxiety, which may contribute to aggression. Stick to a regular schedule for meals, activities, and rest.

7. Modify the environment: Create a calm and soothing environment by minimizing noise, clutter, and excessive stimulation. Soft lighting, familiar objects, and comfortable seating can help create a more peaceful atmosphere.

8. Seek professional help: If aggression becomes a persistent problem or if you feel overwhelmed, it's important to seek guidance from healthcare professionals who specialize in dementia care. They can provide personalized strategies and may suggest medication if necessary.

Remember, each person with dementia is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the most effective approaches to manage their aggression. Patience, empathy, and understanding are key to providing the best care possible.

 Confusion

If a person with dementia becomes confused, there are several strategies you can employ to help them:

1. Stay calm: It's important to remain calm and composed when interacting with someone who is confused. Your calm demeanor can help reduce their anxiety and agitation.

2. Reassure and comfort: Speak in a gentle and reassuring tone. Let the person know that they are safe and that you are there to help them. Use simple and clear language to convey your message.

3. Maintain a familiar environment: Keep the surroundings as familiar and predictable as possible. Avoid sudden changes or introducing unfamiliar objects or people that might add to their confusion.

4. Provide orientation cues: Remind the person of their location, time, and other relevant information. Use visual cues, such as calendars or clocks, to help them orient themselves.

5. Offer simple choices: Present limited and clear options when appropriate. For instance, if they are having trouble deciding what to wear, you can show them two outfits to choose from rather than overwhelming them with too many choices.

6. Break tasks into smaller steps: If the person is struggling with a task, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Guide them through each step patiently and provide assistance when needed.

7. Use visual aids: Visual aids, such as written instructions or labeled objects, can be helpful in providing cues and reminders. For instance, you can place a sign on the bathroom door to indicate its location.

8. Maintain a routine: Establishing and sticking to a consistent daily routine can provide a sense of structure and familiarity, which may help reduce confusion and anxiety.

9. Involve familiar people: Encourage the involvement of family members, close friends, or caregivers who the person with dementia knows well. Familiar faces and voices can help provide comfort and reassurance.

10. Consult a healthcare professional: If confusion becomes a persistent or worsening issue, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional specializing in dementia or geriatric care. They can provide a proper diagnosis, offer guidance, and suggest appropriate interventions.

Remember, each person with dementia is unique, so it's important to observe and understand their individual needs and preferences. By providing a supportive and understanding environment, you can help manage their confusion and improve their overall well-being.

 Agitation

When a person with dementia becomes agitated, it's important to respond calmly and try to identify and address the underlying cause of their distress. Here are some steps you can take to help manage agitation in someone with dementia:

1. Stay calm: It's important to remain calm yourself, as your demeanor can influence the person's emotional state. Speak in a soothing and reassuring tone.

2. Create a safe environment: Ensure that the immediate surroundings are safe and free from any potential hazards. Reduce noise and other stimuli that might be causing agitation, such as loud music or excessive activity.

3. Validate their feelings: Acknowledge the person's feelings and empathize with their frustration or anxiety, even if you don't fully understand the cause. Let them know you are there to help and support them.

4. Identify triggers: Try to identify any potential triggers for the agitation. It could be physical discomfort, hunger, thirst, fatigue, noise, or unfamiliar surroundings. Understanding the trigger can help you address the root cause.

5. Maintain a routine: People with dementia often benefit from having a regular routine. Familiarity and predictability can help reduce agitation. Stick to a consistent schedule for daily activities, meals, and rest.

6. Offer reassurance: Provide reassurance and comfort to the person with dementia. Use gentle touch, if appropriate, to convey care and support. Reassure them that they are safe and that you are there to help.

7. Redirect their attention: If the person is fixated on a particular topic or is upset about something, try to redirect their attention to a different activity or subject. Engage them in a calming activity they enjoy or reminisce about positive memories.

8. Use calming techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, gentle music, aromatherapy, or a comforting object can help promote relaxation. Experiment with different approaches to see what works best for the individual.

9. Consult a healthcare professional: If agitation becomes a persistent or escalating issue, it may be beneficial to seek guidance from a healthcare professional who specializes in dementia care. They can provide additional strategies and, if necessary, evaluate the person's medication regimen.

Remember, each person with dementia is unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another. It's important to be patient and understanding while trying different approaches to manage agitation

Alzheimer's Patients and The Family That Love Them

A beautiful song by Harry Gardner, he’s singing about his relationship with his precious Nan who battles Alzheimer's and his love for her. This goes out to anyone who's life has been impacted by this terrible disease. We understand, and we're here. Well done Harry!

Not Alone by Harry Gardner

Summer activities for the aging!

Summer is rapidly approaching, are you racking your brain trying to think of things to do with your aging loved ones? We have some ideas to help you! First of all, think of things that your loved one would enjoy, eg: picnics, walks. Try to incorporate those into summer-time fun! Here some idea's on behalf of us:

Create a garden, it doesn't have to be big or elaborate, it could even be a garden box. This is a fun activity that come with a beautiful product!

Attend a baseball game, or town festival! This provides great entertainment for all!

Pick a new hobby, such as bird watching! Identify all different kinds of birds with your loved one, it keeps your brain busy, and you occupied!

Take stroll to your nearest beach, or lake. You and your loved one can cool off while catching a great view! Even just dipping your feet in can cool you off on a hot summer's day!

Go for a picnic in the shade. You and your loved one can prepare the food and pack the basket together, help keep their minds stimulated! 

Go to the park and people watch. Let your loved one reminisce on being young and seeing the children play. Listen to their stories of being young, or having children.

Don't forget sunscreen and water for all!

Guest Speaking at Alton Senior Center

Today I had the opportunity to speak at the Alton Senior Center, where we discussed Senior Living Choices. Most seniors wish to remain in their own homes, however, as age related disabilities occur; assistance of others becomes a necessity. Most often a family member becomes the primary caregiver. Most adult family caregivers have their own families and jobs, etc. to attend to; making caregiving for their aging loved one challenging. Then there is the challenge of learning the skills necessary to accomplish this difficult job. In helping those with Alzheimer’s/dementia, mobility challenges, and other needs, it is important to know the skills to properly help.  This is why Abundant Blessings Homecare has skilled experienced professionals.  Abundant Blessings Homecare can help family caregivers have that much needed and deserved break. Whether your need is short term, only a few days a week, or up to 24/7 care we can help. We work with your schedule not ours. At the Alton Senior Center today we discussed these and other challenges seniors aging at home experience. We thank you all the Alton Senior Center for having us, you have a great program.

Activities for Alzheimers/Dementia Patients

• Place a bird feeder just outside a window so you can watch the birds. With spring being the nest building time of year, you could also hang a bag with some nest building materials and watch the birds take things from it for their nests.

• Cut pictures from magazines or greeting cards to make a spring themed collage.

• Set a pretty spring table and serve some spring type foods and tea.

• Make ice cream sundaes or floats.

• Paint, or sort, seashells

• Using a basic watercolor set, paint spring pictures.

• Plant some seeds in cups for the window sill, later you can plant them in the yard together.

• Blow bubbles.

• Make fruit salad

• Make Lemonade

• String cheerios or popcorn for the birds.

Detecting Early Stages and Signs of Dementia

Recognizing early signs of dementia is often difficult. Early diagnosis is important however, for the earlier dementia is diagnosed by a physician the more treatable it may be. The difficulty with diagnosing dementia is many of the early stage signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s are similar to normal aging. These signs can also be stress related or brought on by depression. To be familiar with the differences between normal memory loss associated with aging, and memory loss caused by dementia is important. While dementia is not a disease in itself, it describes a group of symptoms often associated with a disease or condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

A preliminary assessment can determine orientation to person, place, and time. Standard questions asked are: “What is your name?” “Where are you?” and “What time is it?” Although common in health care practice, these questions are not sufficient to determine dementia. Close family members, who know the loved one well, are often better equipped to determine if the persons’ orientation is “normal” for them. Sometimes family may be in denial, believing what is not normal to be normal aging. For these reasons we recommend family accompanying their loved ones to the physician. Below is a list to help you to recognize the early stage signs of dementia. Patience and a caring spirit are always best for you and your loved one.

If your loved one has any of these signs it is best to talk to your physician.

• Memory loss is the most common sign of dementia. Occasional memory loss may be a normal part of aging, but memory loss that is frequent and disrupts normal living is not. For example; if someone cannot remember the names of those closest to them, or where common things are located.

• Difficulty with familiar everyday tasks can be a sign of the early stages of dementia. This can include having trouble with personal care, cooking, cleaning, or using the telephone.

• Language difficulties may develop as an early warning sign of dementia. Showing difficulty in finding the right words, participating less in conversations, and having difficulty saying what is meant can all be language and communication issues related to dementia.

• Disorientation with familiar surroundings, such as in their own neighborhood or home, is often caused by a dementia related condition.

• Abstract thinking and solving problems may become difficult or impossible with dementia. They may have trouble following a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.

• Poor decision making and lacking sound judgment even when the correct choice should be obvious is a sign. For example, choices such as lack of warm clothing in the snow.

• Misplacing things by putting them in inappropriate places is a common sign. Such as putting the telephone in the refrigerator.

• Changes in mood, behavior, or personality, is a common, and challenging sign of dementia. They may become depressed, anxious, frightened, irritable, or even aggressive.