While dementia affects everyone differently, there are certain approaches you can take that can help you find success in the caregiving journey and build trust with someone living with dementia.
At Brickmont Assisted Living, we are committed to helping people living with dementia live complete and meaningful lives. With highly trained experts on our team and communities designed for the security and well-being of our residents, Brickmont provides outstanding dementia care throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas.
Below, we offer several dementia caregiver tips to help you build and maintain a positive, safe, and purpose-filled relationship with someone living with dementia.
Don’ts of Dementia Care
Communication is one of the most critical factors in providing appropriate dementia care. However, even “simple” statements or questions that can be easily answered might become confusing or frightening to a person living with dementia. Here are some “don’ts” when it comes to communication:
Don’t reason or argue: This can be one of the more challenging aspects of dementia care – and one of the most critical. When speaking with a person living with dementia, arguing, correcting, and reasoning will not improve the situation. Instead, it often leads to further confusion and frustration.
Alzheimer’s of San Diego, a non-profit dedicated to helping people impacted by dementia, recommends that caregivers accept the person’s answer (even if it is incorrect) and continue the conversation. You can then circle back around to the issue at an appropriate time while building and maintaining trust.
Don’t remove their autonomy: Although someone living with dementia will have challenges related to the changes in their brain, they still want what we all want: To live a life of purpose. Often, caregivers will find it easier or faster to do everything for a person living with dementia. While well-meaning, this can rob them of their vitality and purpose. Instead, whenever possible, ask the person what they want to do or include them in meaningful tasks and activities. By doing so, you continue to respect and honor them.
Don’t express frustration: When caring for someone living with dementia, it is common to become frustrated or overwhelmed. This is particularly common when our expectations don’t align with reality. For example, you might expect the person to remember you, or what you discussed ten minutes ago, or even where they are – but the reality is that they might forget all these things and more.
In these difficult moments, it is important to remember that this is a change in their brains, not a willful act. No amount of frustration or anger will “fix” the situation. In fact, it will add to the person’s own frustration, anger, and fear. When you sense yourself becoming frustrated, excuse yourself from the situation (if safe to do so) and take a few minutes to yourself. Once you have reset, you can return to the person in a positive way.
Dos of Dementia Care
There are several ways that you can improve the quality of care for someone living with dementia. By following these dementia caregiver tips, you can build trust with the person and create a meaningful experience for them.
Do stay positive: A person living with dementia may not remember your conversations. In some cases, they may not remember you. However, they will respond to a smiling face, a gentle voice, and a welcoming disposition. Each day is an opportunity to build a positive and trusting relationship with someone living with dementia. Remember to start each encounter with a smile.
Do speak slowly and clearly: For someone living with dementia, understanding and remembering language can be challenging. To help your loved one, be sure to speak clearly and simply. Instead of asking open-ended questions, ask them to choose between two options. If they forget what you said, smile and repeat yourself.
Do remain flexible: When you provide care for someone living with dementia, circumstances can change by the day – and sometimes by the hour. However, if you remain flexible and positive, you will maintain a calm and nurturing relationship. And when you are caring for a loved one, this is one of the primary goals. Your roles may be different from what they were in the past, but if you stay flexible, you can open opportunities for great purpose and joy – for you and for someone you love.
At Brickmont Assisted Living, our skilled team members have the training and experience to deliver the highest level of dementia care throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Visit our website today for more dementia caregiver tips and learn how you can help a person living with dementia maintain their autonomy, joy, and purpose.
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