caring for loved ones with dementia - home helpers
DESCRIPTION
Home Helpers/Direct Link discusses Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia.TRANSCRIPT
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
Objectives:• What is Dementia?• Facts and Figures• Understanding your Loved One
with Dementia• Caregiving Tips• Creating a Safe Environment• Additional Resources
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
What is Dementia?Dementia is the gradual deterioration of mental functioning, such as concentration, memory, and judgment, which affects a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities.
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
Dementia Statistics
• 35.6 million living with some form of Dementia• 5.4 million live in the U.S. (www.alz.org)
• In 2030, 65.7million will be affected (-World Alzheimer Report)
• Dementia will double every 20 years (-World Alzheimer Report)
• Caregivers have significant depression and psychological issues (-World Alzheimer Report)
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
Understanding the Person with Dementia• Help the person feel valued
Use their name Respect their cultural values Give consideration Respect privacy
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
- alzheimers.org.uk/factsheets
Understanding the Person with Dementia• Help the person feel good about themselves
Encourage them to express their feelings Offer simple choices Allow independence Break up tasks Help them take pride in their appearance
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
- alzheimers.org.uk/factsheets
Each person is unique
Dementia affects each person differently
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
- alzheimers.org.uk/factsheets
Understanding Your Loved One with Dementia
Remember…
The journey into dementia has its disappointments to be endured as well as its triumphs to be cherished. In all of the uncertainties and confusion there may also
be signs of hope, for this is a journey with intersecting signposts; reminders of the past and
pointers to the future. There are always fresh opportunities for a new walk on a new day.
Rosalie Hudson (2006) Spirited Walking In M Marshall & K Allan Dementia: Walking not Wandering London: Hawker (p.113)
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
Caregiving Tips: COMMUNICATION
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
– Set a positive mood– Get the person’s attention– Speak clearly– Use all your senses– Distract and redirect
– Respond with reassurance
– Talk about the “good old days”
– Ask simple, answerable questions
– Maintain sense of humor
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Caregiving Tips: BEHAVIOR/AGITATION
Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia
– You cannot change the person
– Inform the family– Behavior has a purpose– Behavior is triggered– It works today only
– Reduce caffeine and junk food
– Reduce noise/clutter– Maintain a routine– Use calming techniques
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Caring For Loved Ones With DementiaCaregiving Tips: EATING/NUTRITION
- Make meals a - Eat with the person daily routine - Prepare foods with the- Make mealtimes special person in mind- Encourage eating independently
Caregiving Tips: WANDERING
Caring For Loved Ones with Dementia
– Regular exercise– Faux barriers– Put away essential items– Provide a safe place
- Family Caregiver Alliance- The Alzheimer’s Reading Room
Caregiving Tips: REPETITIVE SPEECH
Caring For Loved Ones With Dementia
– Provide reassurance– Distract– Avoid telling them, “You just said that”– Short notice works best– Communicate what to expect
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Caregiving Tips: PARANOIA
Caring For Loved Ones With Dementia
– Don’t argue or disagree– Keep small amounts of money– Go along– Respond to the feeling
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Caregiving Tips: SLEEPLESSNESS/SUNDOWNING
Caring For Loved Ones With Dementia
– Combination of factors include:Exhaustion and confusion with day/night
– Increase activity– Discourage napping– Encourage good nutrition– Quiet and calm evenings– Lighting
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Caregiving Tips: BATHING
Caring For Loved Ones With Dementia
What was the client’s hygiene routine? Reduce number of times per week Allow modesty Be mindful of the environment Never leave unattended Shampoo hair separately Consider bed baths
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Caregiving Tips: DRESSING
Caring For Loved Ones With Dementia
Encourage independence Help them stay comfortable Give choices Change clothes regularly Accept the unusual Allow enough time
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Creating a Safe EnvironmentCaring For Loved Ones With Dementia
Lighting Falls Dangerous substances The kitchen Risk of fire
- Family Caregiver Alliance
9. Creating a Safe Environment
8. Be Patient and Encourage Independent Dressing
7. Allow Modesty in Bathing
6. Encourage Good Nutrition/Discourage Napping
5. Don’t Argue or Disagree
4. Communicate what is expected
3. Regular Exercise/Faux Barriers2. Remember: You Cannot Change the Person
1. Ask Simple; Answerable Questions
Caring For Loved Ones With Dementia
Additional Resourceswww.alz.org
- newsletters- latest research- find your local chapter
Home Helperswww.( )
Questions?