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Author: Home Helpers Home Care

Sometimes it can be really difficult to care for seniors with dementia, especially if communication has gotten rough. Reducing conflict can sometimes mean that family caregivers need to pay close attention to some of the key ways they might be contributing to the friction. Alzheimer’s care providers can help family members find new ways to communicate and to do so in a way that feels safe for seniors with dementia.

Don’t Try to Use Logic or Argue

The reality of life with dementia is that the changes dementia makes to how the brain functions dramatically affect how seniors experience logical arguments. There is no real way to use logical reasoning with seniors who have dementia. Instead, arguing is going to cause distress and frustration. It’s much better to change the subject, use distraction, and avoid trying to reason with them about the situation.

Avoid Contradictions

A similar problem happens when family members correct or contradict something that seniors with dementia have said. They’re going to make mistakes and misunderstand what is happening around them. Instead of correcting those errors, it’s much better to move on and pay attention to safety rather than being right. Home care providers who have experience with helping dementia patients can model how to do this more easily.

Reduce Open-ended Questioning

Open-ended questions are ones that have the possibility of multiple answers. Asking someone with normal cognitive health, “What did you do today?” is not a scary question because they’re able to offer an answer. For seniors with dementia, that type of open-ended question makes them immediately feel put on the spot and embarrassed, especially because they don’t remember what they did that day. Questions like, “Do you want this shirt or this one?” are much easier to answer.

Avoid Trying to Dredge Up Memories with Specific Prompts

Just as open-ended questions can be frustrating for seniors with dementia, prompting seniors to remember something specific or to jog their memory is also upsetting for them. These types of situations make it obvious to seniors with dementia that there is something they’re forgetting and they may be embarrassed and irritated because they don’t know what’s happening.

Take a Breath and Take a Break

It’s all too easy for family caregivers to take some of these issues personally. It’s difficult to watch a beloved family member forget things and experience cognitive changes. Taking time away can help, and Alzheimer’s care providers can make that easier. Seniors with dementia are in good hands while family caregivers are taking time away. When they come back, they’re in a better position to be able to communicate in a way that is easier for seniors with dementia to respond to without feeling frustrated.

Alzheimer’s care providers have the experience to help families with all sorts of challenges seniors face while living with dementia. The tools and support these care professionals offer allows family caregivers to feel more confident in communicating with the seniors they love and helping them have the best possible quality of life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Cupertino, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.