Ways to Support Loved Ones With Dementia
People with dementia often mention that it’s challenging to adjust to the condition. Plus, because dementia is so complex, it may be difficult for us to understand how we can be there for the people we care about most. That’s why we wanted to identify some ways to support loved ones with dementia.
Practice Patience
When someone loses their memory, they’re bound to feel confused and ask you numerous questions. Instead of letting your irritability from their inquiries consume you, take a moment to remember what they’re going through. They’re doing their best to resonate with you, and we can’t change them back to who they were before their diagnosis. So, we need to give them grace. If you’re still relatively unfamiliar with dementia, we suggest learning as much as you can about it by attending events with Alzheimer's/dementia resources or reading about it. Often, we quickly judge when we don’t know enough about something.
Encourage Their Independence
Although we may feel nervous to let our loved one complete tasks on their own, we should let them be. Allowing our family member or friend independence can show them we care. In other words, just because dementia impacted their cognitive abilities doesn’t mean they’re less capable. If safety is a concern, be sure to remind them how to correctly do things before they attempt them. You can also utilize technology to monitor them; many people who live with dementia tend to roam, but a watch with GPS can help a dementia patient.
Aim for Keeping Them Healthy
It’s important to encourage your loved one to maintain a healthy lifestyle. First, think about their physical health. Your loved one should still focus on daily movement, so—for instance—you can accompany them on a long stroll outdoors. Further, if you prepare their food for them, prioritize nutritious meals and snacks. Also, remember their mental health—like you, they still want to enjoy themselves! Perhaps the both of you can partake in a craft or dance to your favorite songs. These activities allow you to connect on a different level besides verbal communication.
Turn to Others for Help When Necessary
As the saying goes, we can’t show up for others when we’re not showing up for ourselves. If you find that you’re struggling to care for your loved one, reach out to other family members or friends for assistance. This way, you can share responsibilities, saving you time and stress. You can also take some time to rest so you can return to your loved one as a more energized version of yourself.
Caregiving is no easy feat, but fortunately, there are so many ways to support loved ones with dementia.
For additional information and helpful tools on caring for a loved one with dementia, gain access to our Caregiver Toolkit.