Contents
- How to understand people with dementia?
- How do I talk to someone with dementia?
- Communication barriers in people with dementia
- Creating a friendly environment for people with dementia
- Activities for people with dementia
- Loss of memory in a senior
- Caring for someone with dementia – what should you keep in mind?
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The word “dementia” describes a group of symptoms that can include memory loss, trouble thinking, and speech disorders. They are often accompanied by changes in mood, perception, or behavior. Usually these changes are small at first, but over time they can affect your daily life. Keep in mind that dementia is not a natural part of the aging process.
How to understand people with dementia?
A diagnosis of dementia can have a big impact on a patient, both emotionally, socially, mentally and in daily life. Adapting to these changes is often very difficult. They affect your thinking, senses and emotions. Consequently, they have a negative impact on self-esteem, independence, and establishing and maintaining relationships. Therefore, a person with dementia should be supported.
Also read: Senile dementia – symptoms and treatment
How do I talk to someone with dementia?
People with dementia often have a communication problem. For example, they can’t find the right word or they repeat themselves. If they also have a hearing problem, they may not understand what you are saying to them. However, the conversation is extremely important. Then the sick person does not feel isolated. It is worth remembering that it is not only about verbal communication, but also non-verbal communication (e.g. body language).
What to do to make the senior happy and content with life?
Communication barriers in people with dementia
Communication barriers can be divided into two categories:
- Social psychological barriers – a person with dementia may use simpler words than they used to be. She begins to rely more and more on non-verbal communication. If not properly understood, it will develop sadness, fear, isolation and loneliness.
- Technical barriers – arise as a result of brain damage. The person with dementia begins to have trouble finding the right word. May use similar phrases (e.g. stroller instead of car).
How do I talk to someone with dementia? Make sure the person is included in the conversations. Give her time to speak calmly. Also, try not to speak on her behalf. Ask other people to communicate with her directly. Listen to her as carefully as possible. Remove distractions such as background noise. Also, speak more clearly and a little slower than usual (but not slowly). Use simple words and phrases. You can also signal the meaning of what you say by changing the pitch and pitch at the end of the question. However, do not talk to her as if she were a child.
Try to maintain eye contact. This makes it easier for the person to focus on you. Stay calm. Be patient and kind. Remember to keep your distance. Otherwise, you can intimidate her. Avoid asking too many direct questions, e.g. what do you want to do today? Instead, use closed-ended questions that can be answered “yes” or “no”. Try to make your speech clear and concise. Remember to be at eye level with the interlocutor. By standing over the seated person, you can intimidate them.
Also read: An adult lying down is not a child. How to understand a sick person and care for him properly?
Creating a friendly environment for people with dementia
A friendly environment supports the needs of people with dementia. It promotes their independence, stimulation and strengthens personality traits. The unpleasant environment is confusing and frightening. There is a feeling of isolation.
It is worth remembering that such people may have a problem with the perception of objects. They are unable to separate something from the background (e.g. white contact on a white wall) or misjudge distance. By introducing a variety of colors, you can make it easier for them to locate things and thus reduce the risk of accidents. Adaptive equipment is available on the market. They help people who have balance problem, motor skills, control, mobility and vision. Non-slip rugs and rails in bathrooms and in the shower can also be helpful. They protect against slipping and falling.
See how to choose a walking frame for a senior?
Activities for people with dementia
Interesting and well-organized activities are essential to keep the skills and abilities of a person with dementia at an appropriate level. They encourage cooperation. They bring variety. They improve well-being and quality of life. Classes can be a great opportunity to express yourself, communicate and share memories. Let the person choose the activities that interest them most. Ask what she likes to do and what she would like to develop. For example, if she likes to sketch, encourage her to paint. Such activities can be wonderfully calming down. They also increase self-confidence and self-confidence.
Loss of memory in a senior
Memory loss affects most people with dementia. It can frustrate and upset them. That kind of people:
● forget about recent conversations and events,
● lose items,
● have difficulties in carrying out everyday activities,
● get lost in familiar surroundings,
● forget about meetings,
● cannot recognize family members, friends and acquaintances.
Memory training for seniors. Exercises that will improve remembering
Caring for someone with dementia – what should you keep in mind?
Clearly mark the date on the calendar. You can also try the electronic calendar that automatically changes the day and date. Consider using visual reminders such as a wall calendar, weekly planner, or notice board.
You can set reminders on your mobile phone. You can also stick cards on the door, such as “keys and wallet”. Keep important items such as money, keys, glasses, phone in the same place. Put useful phone numbers in an easily accessible place. Also, encourage guests (friends, family, and professionals) to enter the date and purpose of their visit on a calendar. Take care of safety
Introducing certain changes in the environment can help a sick person to remain independent and safe. Wondering what you can do for her?
● Improve the lighting level and make the most of natural light.
● Remove any items that may be tripped over or slip.
● Choose furniture and bedding that contrasts with the walls and floor.
● Store important items in the same place.
● Leave the bathroom door open and turn on the light in the evening.
● Consider light sensors. They will turn on when the person gets up at night.
There are different types of technological solutions that support the sick person. Remember to choose them according to your individual needs and expectations. It is worth buying the myBand 4family wristband to care for seniors and children. Thanks to the fact that it has a GPS locator, it is easy to find a person with dementia, even if he goes somewhere alone. In addition, you can efficiently measure its pressure and check the pulse. This is a very convenient solution that you can find on Medonet Market at a discounted price.
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