Please keep these TIPS in mind when you are caring for or speaking with someone with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, it will help you and them a great deal.
- Arguments are Useless. In fact, they often make matters worse.
- Confusion, memory loss and frustration are the cause of the irrationality and you can’t argue them out of it.
- Allow as much freedom and independence as possible, while keeping safety and comfort in mind.
- Actions help when verbal communication may fail. Help the person by demonstrating to them what you mean or sometimes starting the activity.
- Assume that the person with dementia may understand and hear what you say even if they are confused. Do not talk about them or say things to others in front of them as if they are deaf.
- Appreciate good moments or good days.
- Choose appropriate activates that are meaningful and productive as this can reduce agitation, boredom and daytime sleeping.
- Agitation is often alleviated when the caregiver remains calm, reassuring and respectful of the person’s feelings.
- Always treat them with respect, kindness and dignity, even though their memory and body may be less able than it used to be; the spiritual being is still aware.
