After a dementia diagnosis, things often change. This condition can be more complicated than expected, and there may be a point where your loved one needs professional support through memory care. However, by learning more about dementia, you can provide them with love and care to help improve their quality of life in a way that truly makes a difference.
To deal with dementia in a parent, make sure to:
- Understand their needs
- Be patient
- Build a schedule
- Communicate effectively
- Understand your limitations
- Let our community help
Understand Their Needs
Dementia affects everybody a little differently. It’s not just one single condition; instead, the term “dementia” refers to a group of symptoms caused by damaged brain cells.
While often remembered for how it causes cognitive decline, dementia is more complex than that. It can cause:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion about time and place
- Communication problems
- Difficulty with daily tasks
These symptoms gradually worsen as the condition progresses, quickly affecting your loved one’s everyday life. Once-simple tasks suddenly become more difficult as their cognitive decline worsens, making activities like cooking and cleaning more challenging than before.
Think about where your parent is coming from and approach the situation with care; this is crucial to preserving your loved one’s dignity and quality of life. Remember—they’re dealing with a complicated neurodegenerative disorder and things are just as challenging on their end.
Be Patient
Your parent’s condition may change over time. Some days, they may be lucid and engaged, while others may lead to confusion and agitation. Patience is going to be key here.
When your parent becomes frustrated, maintain your composure. Make sure that you:
- Take a deep breath
- Speak slowly using simple terms
- Use a calm tone
- Monitor your body language
Your ability to stay calm can quickly de-escalate a tense situation. Your parent will pick up on your tone and body language, so maintaining a peaceful energy can be an excellent way to calm them down.
However, remember that patience doesn’t mean being a pushover. If your parent is behaving inappropriately or endangering themselves, intervene and redirect their behavior. Just remember—any outbursts or frustration aren’t about you, so practice patience and give your loved one time to calm down.
Build a Schedule
Dementia can often lead to confusion, agitation, and frustration. Surprises rarely go well with this condition; instead, your loved one will thrive on routine. A well-built can provide structure and a sense of control for those dealing with dementia.
Make sure you factor in:
- Regular meal times
- Social interactions
- Light exercise
- Time for favorite hobbies
- Consistent bedtimes
If possible, try to involve your parent in building their schedule. This can restore a sense of dignity and control to an otherwise stressful situation. Meanwhile, a consistent schedule can give predictability and routine, helping to reduce those feelings of frustration.
Communicate Effectively
Effective communication can make all the difference in the world. Try to keep interactions simple and straightforward, and try to keep conversations focused on a singular topic.
Think of it like you’re giving directions to somebody who’s a little lost while out and about. Don’t overwhelm them with details; instead, minimize distractions and try to be clear and concise. Try to:
- Use short sentences
- Avoid complex language
- Use visual cues or gestures
- Avoid arguing or correcting
Sometimes a warm smile or a gentle touch can convey a lot. Be patient and give them time to respond. Don’t correct them if they say something incorrect, and don’t cut them off. A little kindness and understanding can make a significant difference and allow you to maintain your relationship with your loved one.
Understanding Limitations
It’s important to remember that dementia can be a complicated and challenging condition. Keep an eye out for the signs that you’re starting to overwork yourself; caregiving can be an emotional experience that often leads to a condition called “caregiver burnout.”
If you start to feel burnout, take a step back. You aren’t alone in this situation, and there are resources available to give you an opportunity to breathe. Keep an eye out for:
- Feeling constantly tired
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Becoming easily irritated or frustrated
- Experiencing frequent headaches or muscle pain
- Having trouble sleeping
- Feeling overwhelmed or helpless
These are all signs that you badly need a break. If you recognize the signs of burnout, it’s time to seek professional help. It’s not just about your own mental state; it’s about making sure you’re not compromising your parent’s care by trying to push through burnout.
Let Our Community Help
If you have a parent living with dementia, you aren’t alone. In our community at Inspired Living at Tampa, we have the resources and knowledge needed to help maintain your loved one’s quality of life. We can offer a home where your loved one is cared for every day, so schedule a tour with us today! We’re here for you.
