Caring for a person with dementia can be a real challenge, if only because
communication and interaction can be so difficult when a loved one or patient
begins to fight the disease. What’s more is that they can completely disorient
themselves by forgetting who you are, who they are, and where they fit in to the
world – which can be a very scary situation for them
It’s important, then, to care for patients with great compassion and approach
dementia with incredible patience and understanding. The condition will not get
better overnight; in fact, it will only get worse as patients age, but you can improve
some of their conditions and better their situation by interacting with them and
caring for them in a way that has their best interest at hear.
Be Patient And Loving
Dementia is a brutal degenerative disease that can wreak havoc on a person’s
neurological functions. As such, they can easily become disoriented and forget
where they are, who they are speaking with, and more. It is not their fault that
memory comes difficult for them, and as such, you must be patient with them as
they go through this arduous process.
Love and care for them as you would anyone else, and show patience in your
interactions and communications. Getting mad at a person with dementia not only
has no benefit to their condition, but it won’t improve anything. So, it’s best to
remain compassionate, patient, and loving around the senior citizen.
Be Clear, Slow, and Collected
Communication is difficult as senior citizens age, and it becomes increasingly
difficult when you take into consideration things like hearing loss, dementia, and
more issues. As such, it is imperative that you are clear, calm, and collected when
speaking with senior citizens, and you avoid falling into the trap of rushing through
sentences or being too pushy in communication.
Calm, slow, and collected speech and movements can put a person at ease, so they
realize you are not a threat to them and are only there to help, care, and interact. Be
slow and relaxed when dealing with a person with dementia, and it will reflect in
their trust of you and your care giving.
Lend a Listening Ear
People with dementia often times wish to simply communicate with those around
them, rather than be talked to; as such, let them do the talking. Listen to their stories
from days gone by, and work through their difficulties and disorientation with a
compassionate and helpful ear.
People suffering from dementia need to lean on those around them, so give them a
space to do so. Doing this will help make them feel loved, valued, and important.