The amount of work involved in providing care for a parent who has dementia can occasionally become overwhelming.
There are many ways to support their parents’ sense of safety and comfort while maintaining and cherishing their relationship even in trying circumstances.
In addition to explaining what dementia is, this article provides advice on how to handle a parent who has the disease. A few resources that can help those who care for dementia patients are also suggested.
Read more:
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Mean Dementia Patients: 8 Tips to Reduce – Elder VIP
How to Calm Dementia Patients at Night? (Solved) – Elder VIP
What is Dementia?
Memory, language, and problem-solving issues are just a few of the cognitive symptoms that fall under the umbrella term “dementia.” In 2014, there were 5 million adults in the Americans who have dementia.
Dementia is not a normal part of aging, despite the fact that the risk increases as a person gets older. Dementia can present differently from person to person, but symptoms may include:
- Forgetting things, such as people’s names, places, and recent events
- Difficulty recognizing relatives and friends
- Losing track of time
- Experiencing increasing difficulty with communication
- Changes in behavior, such as wandering and repeating questions
- Needing more help with personal care
- Experiencing mood changes that may sometimes involve aggression
- Becoming confused and disorientated, even in familiar environments
With each stage, the symptoms of dementia can get progressively worse. Variables can affect how quickly a person’s symptoms develop and what they feel like.
Dementia can have many different causes. The most common is Alzheimer’s disease, which may cause between 60 and 70% of cases.
Other common types of dementia include:
- Vascular dementia
- Mixed dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
12 Methods to Cope With a Parent With Dementia
We’ve put together a list of several useful suggestions that you can use to improve communication with people who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Mood Support
Be Patient and Supportive
The other person needs to know that you are paying attention and attempting to understand. Even if it takes them a while to express themselves, be sure to show the person that you are interested in what they have to say and take care not to interrupt.
You should be understanding when the person you love struggles to communicate. Inform them that it’s alright to take a moment to collect their thoughts, but encourage them to continue to explain themselves.
Offer Comfort and Reassurance
This is a family-wide experience rather than something that just one person goes through. They need to know you’re talking with them, not at them.
Focus on Feelings
Although it can be simpler to concentrate on the facts, more often than not, the expressed emotions are what matter. Lessen your focus on what is being said and instead try to determine the emotions that are being conveyed. This could offer hints as to whether your loved one is scared, sad, angry, etc.
With Dignity and Respect
Don’t belittle the person or act as if they aren’t there. More often than you think, they are able to comprehend. Be mindful of your emotions and attitude at all times. Try your best to maintain a friendly and upbeat attitude in both spoken and unspoken interactions.
Communication Skills
Encourage Communication
Ask the speaker to point or make a gesture if you can’t understand what they’re saying and language is getting complicated. If you believe they will be able to communicate effectively with pictures, you can also provide them with those.
Offer a Guess
Try speculating on the appropriate word if the person uses the incorrect one or is at a loss for words. You don’t have to use the right word if you understand what the person is saying. Make sure not to aggravate people needlessly.
Use Short, Simple Sentences
Neither a prepared speech nor a monologue in front of your parents are appropriate at this time. Long-winded requests or stories can be exhausting. One inquiry at a time, please. Be succinct and direct in your words and thoughts.
Turn Questions into Answers
When your loved one is unable to respond to all of your inquiries right away, asking too many questions can become overwhelming. Just demonstrate the solution instead of asking them. For example, say “The bathroom is right here,” instead of asking, “Are you in need of the restroom?”
Things to Avoid
Avoid Confusing and Vague Statements
Avoid using euphemisms or clichéd language; instead, describe things simply and truthfully. For example, if you tell the person to “Hop in!” he or she may interpret your instructions literally. Instead, describe the action directly: “Your shower is ready; kindly come in.” Rather than “Here it is” say “Here is your hat.”
Avoid Quizzing
It can be tempting to repeatedly question your loved one to find out what they remember or don’t. Feel free to talk about your own memories as reminiscing may be healthy, but avoid using the phrase, “Do you recall the time when?” When they realize they should be remembering something but they can’t, this frequently makes them feel more agitated and anxious.
Avoid Criticizing Or Correcting
You shouldn’t point out how absurd or incorrect your parents sound at this point. Instead, pay attention and make an effort to decipher what is being said. Repeat what was said to help clarify the idea if you’re genuinely baffled by what they’re trying to say.
It is useless to argue with your parents if you believe they are developing dementia. If the speaker says something you disagree with, leave it alone. Most of the time, arguing only makes matters worse and frequently increases the dementia patient’s agitation level.
Avoid Distractions
Find a place that is quiet because too much sensory input can easily cause overload. The environment should encourage the person to concentrate on his or her thoughts rather than being overwhelming or distracting to them.
Tips for Understanding Your Parent’s Behavior
Examine the Behavior Objectively
“Ask yourself if your parent or another loved one’s aggressive behavior is actually a problem before responding. A problematic behavior is one that has the potential to harm the individual or someone else. Consider the following question: Can the action harm the person or someone else? While some behaviors might make people uncomfortable to be around, or perhaps they’re embarrassing or disruptive, they might not actually be harmful. If you can avoid it, try not to correct, step in, or even unintentionally escalate a situation.”
Avoid Intervening
“While some actions may be embarrassing, upsetting, or uncomfortable to witness, they may not necessarily be harmful. Avoid correcting, intervening or unintentionally escalating situations by knowing when to let some things go. Let Mom go through her closet nonstop while wearing four layers of pants. By giving your loved one the freedom to make their own decisions when possible, you can both protect them from harm and give them a sense of freedom and control.”
Include Your Parent in the Process
“Nobody, especially someone who is already worried about losing their independence, wants to lose control of their life. Involving your parent as much as you can in the care planning process is crucial for this reason. This makes you more of a partner to them as opposed to someone who is imposing change on them. It will probably take several conversations because they will probably initially be resistant. Try not to force changes too quickly as long as they are not in immediate danger.”
Summary
Even as a parent’s dementia worsens, a person can maintain a close relationship with them and have a positive influence on their life by showing support and being patient. Caregiving for a parent who has dementia can occasionally be difficult, but there are many resources available. caretakers should also make sure they take care of themselves and seek help in times of stress.
