Helpful Tips in Supporting Your Loved One with Dementia

Supporting Your Loved One With Dementia

Oftentimes when our loved ones are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, Dementia or Alzheimer's, we panic and are unsure how to now communicate with our loved one. We need to embrace the new normal in a loving and compassionate way. The common ground now is to make sure that they are happy and not frustrated and confused, that you are there for them.    

Here is a helpful list to remember how to NOW communicate with your loved one:

1) When entering a room, announce yourself. " Hi Mom- It's (your name)." NEVER question them and ask, " Do you know who I am?" This will cause them anxiety.

2) If the family member thinks the spouse is still alive or that they will be going out for an event, let them believe it.  They will be much happier with it.

3) Please do not argue with them.  It is not worth it.  You don't always need to be right.

4) If they do not recognize you or know who you are, do not take it personally.  Timelines are confusing to them.

5) Do not feed your loved one if they forgot how to use utensils.  Switch them to a finger-food diet and see if they can still feed themselves.

6) If they are sad or anxious, just hold their hands and listen.  Do not tell them how to feel.

7) Do not treat them like a child. Talk to them like an adult.

8) Help them find a way to do the things they love.  

9) Ask them to tell you a story from their past.

10) If they are agitated, take time to figure out what is bothering them.

11) Treat them the way you would want them to be treated.

12) Make sure that there are plenty of snacks in the house.  Might forget to eat or be worried that they didn't eat and need a snack.

13) Do not talk about them as if they are not there in the room.

14) Do not beat yourself up if your loved one has Dementia.  You cannot care for them 24/7.  Be realistic.

15) Visit them often even if they are in a facility.

16) Do not act frustrated if they mix up names, events or places. It's not their fault.

17) Always play their favorite music.

18) If they take items, help me return them to their original place. 

19) Do not exclude them from parties or family gatherings.

20) They still like receiving hugs or handshakes.

21) They are still the person you know and love.