HappiHuman by Kelly Aiello Nutrition Coach & Brain Health

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Helping Your Loved One with Dementia: Do’s and Don’ts



Do you have a loved one with dementia? 

Are you overwhelmed with all the information out there (much of it conflicting), leaving you even more confused and not knowing what to do?

If so, then read on. This week’s guest post provides some practical do’s and don’ts when it comes to helping your loved one.

Yes, there are several do’s  and don’ts  to helping a loved one with dementia. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Do be patient and understanding. Dementia can be challenging to deal with, both for the person who has it and their loved ones. Remember that you should never be overly critical or judgmental, as this will only strain your relationship. 

Don’t expect your loved one to remember everything. One of the hallmarks of dementia is forgetfulness, so don’t feel offended if they can’t always recall essential details about their lives. Instead, remind them gently and move on.

Dementia Behaviour

Do be understanding if your loved one with dementia is acting out of character. Remember that their behaviour may not be under their control, and they may not always know how to express themselves.

Don’t get angry or frustrated if your loved one behaves in a way that you don’t understand. It’s important to remember that their behaviour is not personal and that they are not trying your patience on purpose. 

Instead, do try to provide stimulation and structure for your loved one’s day. This can help to ease their anxiety and make them feel more comfortable. Don’t try to force your loved ones to do anything they don’t want to do. This will only lead to more frustration and anxiety. Rather, try to find activities they enjoy doing and encourage them to participate as much as possible.

If you are caring for someone with dementia, your role in managing daily tasks will increase as the disease progresses. There may come the point when you want to consider dementia care homes for seniors. They can help the person with dementia participate as much as possible and enable you to manage tasks effectively.

When helping a loved one with dementia, be patient, understanding, and non-judgmental. By providing support and structure for their daily lives, you can best help your loved ones.

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The Dementia Care Journey

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The dementia care journey can be very stressful and challenging, especially for those new to it. There are many things to learn and keep in mind, but don’t worry – you don’t have to face it alone. 

Here are some do’s and don’ts when helping your loved one with dementia to make the process easier for both of you. 

It’s essential to ask your loved one’s doctor or care facility’s coordinator for local resources and contacts.

Do’s for your loved one with dementia:

  1. Be patient with your loved one. Dementia can cause them to act out of character or have difficulty communicating.

  2. Keep communication straightforward. Use familiar words and phrases, and avoid abstract topics.

  3. Try not to argue with your loved ones or correct them. This can be frustrating and confusing for them.

  4. Be supportive and understanding. Dementia can be a difficult and emotional journey for both the person with the condition and their loved ones.

  5. Encourage your loved ones to express their feelings and participate in activities they enjoy.

  6. Seek support for yourself. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging and stressful, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Consider memory care facilities near you if you are cannot provide proper care for your loved one yourself.

  7. Remember that your loved one will continue to adapt to their condition with time and support. You’ll find new ways of communicating that work well for both of you.


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Don’ts for your loved one with dementia:

  1. Don’t push your loved ones to do things they’re unwilling or unable to do.

  1. Don’t ignore or dismiss your loved one’s feelings or concerns.

  2. Don’t bombard your loved one with questions or information. This can be overwhelming and confusing for them.

  3. Don’t use negative language around your loved one, such as “dementia,” “senile,” or “crazy.”

  4. Don’t try to manage all aspects of your loved one’s life independently. Seek support from family, friends, healthcare providers, and community resources.

  5. Don’t give up hope that things will get better over time. With the proper support, your loved one can continue to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

  6. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally and physically draining. Make sure to schedule time for yourself to relax and recharge.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped give you some tools and ideas for how to support your loved one with dementia best. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s essential to be flexible and adapt your approach as needed. The most important thing is to show your loved ones that you care and are there for them.

Suppose you’re considering a local dementia care home for your loved one. In that case, we recommend doing your research to find the right fit. Many great dementia care homes can provide your loved ones with the support they need - if not now, perhaps in the future.

Another way to provide support, is through the proper neuronutrition. If you don’t know where to start or how best to amend your loved one’s diet to best support them, contact Kelly at HappiHuman.com today. 

This guest post was submitted by Holly Klamer.

Holly is a seasoned writer who loves to create content related to aging issues and everything to do with senior living. She is a frequent contributor to many top online publications, including Assisted Living Near Me, where she creates content that is specific to assisted living for older adults, as well as SeniorLivingFacilities.net, where she writes about common issues affecting senior citizens and provides senior living advice.

Would you like to write for us?

If you’re a writer and have an idea for a guest post suitable to the HappiHuman audience, we do accept article submissions. We work with freelance authors and bloggers, especially those who have overcome health challenges. Plus, we are always accepting personal journeys and nutritional-based blogs. 

To submit a query, please fill out our submission form and tell us a little about your journey. We look forward to reviewing your story and considering it for publication on HappiHuman.

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[Medical Disclaimer]

Please consult with your doctor(s) before starting any new mental or physical health improvement program. The advice I offer is not intended to replace that of your medical practitioner. I am not a medical professional, nor am I qualified to diagnose, cure treat, or prevent disease. The advice I provide on this website is intended for a broad and diverse audience, and as such, deals with general lifestyle concepts, not specific healthcare advice. This material disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the advice expressed herein.