Steps In Assisting Friends And Family Understand Dementia
When a loved one suffers from dementia, it’s critical to understand what they’re going through and how to connect with them pleasantly. Even if you think you know a lot about dementia, it’s a good idea to educate your friends and family understand dementia. Then your loved one can have as many positive interactions as possible with others who are interested in learning as much as they can about dementia.
Ways To Help Friends And Family Understand Dementia
If you want to help your friends and family understand dementia better, Care At Heart has a few recommendations. Try out these several methods until you find the ones that seem to work best for you.
Educate Your Friends And Family On Dementia
The first step in assisting friends and family in better understanding dementia is to educate them on what it is and how it affects the person affected. Then explain how dementia affects their behavior, memory, and reasoning. Then, as your loved one gets new symptoms, explain how the condition advances and what to expect. You might also want to share articles and websites that provide further details about the illness.
Discover: 8 Ways to Encourage Independence in Someone with Dementia
Let your friends and family know what they can do to aid the person with dementia as part of the education process. People frequently withdraw simply because they are unsure of what is “right” and “wrong” in the presence of a dementia patient.
When people are given precise instructions on how they can assist, they are more inclined to do so cheerfully. Providing company or cleaning the house can often be really beneficial to someone with dementia.
Communicate With Family And Friends Effectively
After you’ve taught your friends and family about dementia and how it affects the person who has it, it’s time to teach them how to interact effectively with someone who has dementia. Here are some of the key points to communicate:
- Suggestions for how to start a discussion (such as introducing yourself even if you think your loved one should know who you are).
- Instructions for not correcting the dementia patient if they make a mistake in conversation. Correcting a dementia patient can leave them feeling befuddled and ashamed.
- Talking about memories your loved one can still recollect or looking through photo albums are examples of ways to communicate.
- Instructions on how to speak calmly and quietly. Loud talking may irritate a dementia patient.
Your loved one may be more responsive to phone calls or visits at various times of the day. Make sure your friends and family members are aware of such times so they can arrange to see your loved one at those times.
React
Another crucial aspect in assisting friends and family understand dementia is teaching your friends and family members how to respond if a loved one with dementia does something unexpected. Understand that you may need to explain to others how your loved one is reacting differently when you’re out in public. You might also wish to have a card printed that says, “My loved one has dementia.” They might say or do something surprising. Thank you for your patience.”
Also Read: Tips and Advice to Help Alzheimer’s Patient And Caregivers Prepare
Our Care At Heart employees have been educated to engage with dementia patients and respond correctly. As a result, we ensure that residents with dementia live happy lives and receive the care they require daily.