The World Health Organization says that dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide. Because dementia is a disease that gets worse over time, dementia care is a specialized field. People with dementia often have personality changes, wander, and have mood swings. This makes it hard for you and your homecare provider to care for a loved one with dementia.
Of course, you want your elderly loved ones to remain in their own home for as long as possible, where they can maintain a routine and feel safest. However, this may be risky. If your parents are suffering from Alzheimer’s, now is the time to put a plan in place to aid yourself and them. You may want to think about hiring Alzheimer’s care services like hiring a home care specialist.
After receiving a diagnosis, you and your family will be able to better understand your loved one’s condition. As the condition worsens, your senior will want more assistance than ever before, which is when home care may assist you and give you advice for your elderly parent or grandparent.
Dementia might make it more difficult for you to converse with your loved one. Spending quality time with your loved ones is simpler if you know how to properly engage and communicate with them as their symptoms progress from minor forgetfulness to more evident cognitive impairment.
Always Minimize Background Noises and Distractions
Dementia patients are prone to be quickly distracted by the objects around them, making it difficult for them to communicate. Start by turning off the TV and calling them by their first name to get their attention. If there is too much light in the room, this could be distracting for them, and you should always adjust the curtains for their comfort when talking to you. Lastly, ensure you are one on one. Too many people in the room can be distracting and overwhelming.
Always Speak Clearly and Remain Calm
Dementia doesn’t imply that your loved one can’t understand what you’re saying, even if they can’t express it. Even if you talk quietly and clearly, it’s crucial to communicate naturally. Avoid using terms like “baby talk” or similar expressions that might be seen as degrading or derogatory.
Don’t Dwell on Minor Details and Choose Your Battles
Some data may be incorrect, or dates, locations, and persons may be misplaced. If you observe that your loved one is making the same mistakes repeatedly, it’s acceptable to gently correct them, but don’t get bogged down in the nitty-gritty of tiny inaccuracies. This just serves to infuriate everyone involved.
You Need to Listen and Focus
Observing your loved one’s facial expressions as you talk allows you to evaluate whether they comprehend what you are saying. Even if you may not entirely grasp what your loved one is saying, you may respectfully let them know that you don’t get what they’re saying.
Keep Being Patient
When it comes to their ability to communicate themselves or understand what is being said, people with dementia have good and terrible days. Be patient and wait for your loved one to comprehend what you’re saying on the more difficult days. If you realize that your loved one is having difficulty understanding your inquiry, reword it or give them a few options.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Belmont, CA, and the surrounding area, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care.
Call today: (415) 795-2203
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