When it comes to dementia, providing support for a loved one is not only emotionally difficult but also challenging from a practical standpoint. Navigating the unpredictable nature of this condition requires patience and understanding for individuals to provide care with compassion and empathy.
Oftentimes, family members feel unequipped or overwhelmed when trying to help their parent or relative who has been diagnosed with dementia, so we are here to give some key tips on how you can be there for your loved one – both physically and emotionally. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at seven ways that you can support someone with dementia to make sure they have the best possible quality of life.
Understand that the person may be confused, frustrated, or even scared
The journey that someone living with dementia is on can be a long and arduous one, filled with countless challenges along the way. As their loved one and advocate, it’s important to understand that your patience, compassion, and empathy can help to ease the process for them – no matter if they live with you, in the Sutherland Shire dementia care facility or another institution that proves needed help. Showing understanding for times when the person may be confused or scared helps to foster feelings of acceptance and support. Even in moments of frustration, working together to find a solution can make all the difference. With a little patience and love, this difficult path becomes much easier to traverse.
Listen to what the person has to say
No matter the stage of their dementia, it is important to remember that the individual has valuable thoughts and feelings to share. Taking the time to consciously give them space to express themselves, to respond with empathy and understanding, and to let them be heard can go a long way in letting them know they are valued. Listening with open ears and an open heart will provide not only support but also comfort, helping build trust and respect between the two of you. Doing this without any judgment or interruption will help create an atmosphere where the person feels safe in being vulnerable and able to share their thoughts, worries, and fears honestly. It’s truly a special way of connecting that allows both sides to benefit from each other’s presence.
Encourage reminiscing about a person’s past or engage in simple activities like puzzles or coloring
Encouraging stories and activities for someone with dementia is an important way to keep their mind active and engaged. Allowing them to reminisce about their past through stories, photographs, or memorabilia not only helps maintain a sense of identity but can also be beneficial in providing emotional stimulation and stress relief. Additionally, engaging in simple activities such as completing puzzles, coloring pictures, or playing board games help the person stay cognitively and socially connected.
Educate yourself about dementia – information is a powerful tool when it comes to supporting someone with dementia
Whether it’s understanding the different stages of the disease, finding possible treatments and support networks, or getting to know specific care approaches that work best with a person’s lifestyle, knowledge is essential. As such, it’s important to spend time researching dementia and exploring available resources. Educating yourself helps provide context so that you can make better decisions around helping and caring for someone living with this disease – from both medical professionals as well as close family members or caregivers.
Seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed or see signs of depression or anxiety in your loved one
If you feel overwhelmed or see signs of depression or anxiety in your loved one, seek out advice from a healthcare provider or social worker who specializes in dementia care. They will be able to advise on how to best support and care for your loved one. Also, specialized persons can offer resources for cognitive therapies and other helpful coping tools to prevent depression or panic from further setting in. Seeking out their expert opinion could make the difficult process of supporting someone with dementia much easier and more manageable.
Organize social outings with friends or family members
Organizing social outings can be a great way to show support and understanding for those who are living with dementia. Going out to spend time with family and friends can provide positive opportunities for socialization, regardless of the symptoms associated with dementia. By extending invitations to members of their social circle who share an understanding of the condition, your loved one has the opportunity to develop relationships grounded in empathy and acceptance. This allows them to feel comfortable and can have a significant impact on their mood, self-image, and overall well-being.
Offer practical help like cooking, shopping, and housecleaning where possible
Providing practical assistance to those with dementia is an invaluable act of care. Simple tasks such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, and housekeeping can make a world of difference for those living with dementia and their loved ones. Each act of help conveys love and care while also lifting the burden of daily responsibilities so that they don’t go overlooked or forgotten, something that happens more often than we realize with those suffering from dementia. While it may be difficult to offer tangible help if you are far away, adding your name to their support network, or finding people in their immediate vicinity who can lend a hand, can be enormously valuable for everyone involved.
Supporting someone with dementia is not an easy task. It requires patience and understanding, but with the right skills and attitude, it can be a rewarding experience for both parties. Education about the condition is essential to providing the best care for your loved one. Reach out to professionals if you need help or feel overwhelmed in providing care. Give your loved one the social opportunities they need, and offer practical help if possible. Above all else, try to remember that they are still living and striving despite their deterioration. Stay by their side when they feel confused and scared, listen attentively when they wish to talk, and encourage reminiscence of happy memories – together you will get through this difficult time.
