Tips for Dementia Caregivers

Caregiving can be a serious challenge for even the most experienced caregiver.

Dementia affects everyone differently as each person is unique and has their own needs. What may work for someone may not work for your loved one as effectively, but a caregiver can take aspects of different methods, tweak them, and then apply it to best fit their loved one’s needs.

Dementia is a cognitive disorder and your loved one cannot help the way they think, and this can lead to exaggerated stubborn behaviors. Often times, challenging behaviors are caused by a negative stimulus like pain, exhaustion, or an unmet need. One of the best skills you can have as a caregiver is observation, understand your loved one’s body language and queues to recognize when something is wrong. Dementia inhibits your loved one’s communication skills, and sometimes they won’t be able to tell you what is bothering them. You can try asking, but make sure you use simple and prompt questions, dragging out a conversation can lead to more confusion. You might notice through their body language, that they have a slight limp in their gait, telling you that they could be experiencing joint pains. Or you might notice they are

Tips For Dementia Caregivers lethargic during the day, meaning something is preventing them from getting a proper night’s rest. Redirection is also an effective tactic for approaching challenging behaviors. If a loved one is agitated or combative, don’t confront and argue, redirect their attention to something else. Every person is different and has unique body language, it’s up to caregivers to take the time and understand the body language of their loved ones so they can recognize when something is wrong, because they may not have the ability to tell us themselves. There are many skills caregivers need, and due to the ever-changing nature of dementia, it’s up to you to keep on learning, and adapting new strategies for your loved one’s care. However daunting the task may be, just remember that you are not alone! Several resources to help you are just a click or a phone call away. Whether it’s respite care, or just getting advice on how to proceed with providing care, make sure to seek help when and where you need it! Gulf Coast Dementia Services Support Group. 251-421-4888. ~ Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Gulf Coast Dementia Services. See ad on page 19.