Dementia affects various parts of the brain which results in the loss of memory, loss of logic and reasoning, changes in the personality and behavior, and loss of good physical health. And in the worst case scenario, it can even claim the life of the patient in question.
This mental condition troubles every person in a different way.
Caring for such people is certainly not an easy task. It takes a lot of patience and compassion to understand what the patient is going through. If the sufferer is the part of the family then the other members have to be really careful while handling them. Thus, the family members hire a professional caregiver to take care of their loved ones.
Sometimes, the caretakers also find it tough to handle the patients well. But, dealing with a dementia patient is not that challenging if you know the right measures. These basic tips given below will surely help you. Have a look!
It is just not about the memory loss
Although the loss of memory in a dementia patient is the most obvious symptom, the patient can have more than a single neurological problem. To deal with such a patient, the caregiver has to help him or her with the daily household tasks like brushing the teeth, bathing, and changing clothes etc. With the progression of dementia, the patient needs more affection and attention.
If you are a family member or a professional caregiver, you must have the correct attitude toward the patient. It is important to learn about Dementia. What’s really great about caregivers is they can guide the family members of the patient too. This helps the family members in tackling the challenges in the right way in the absence of a caregiver.
A thorough understanding will help the family members or the caregiver to sort the problems that the patient is facing every day.
Live the good moments and be practical
A professional dementia caregiver always tries their level best to make the patient happy and comfortable. But, it is not possible all the time due to the mood swings of the patient. All you can do is be practical and encourage them to enjoy each moment of their life. But do not force them for anything in the process.
Also, you have to be practical here. You cannot ignore the fact that few types of dementia like Alzheimer are a progressive disease which cannot be cured. It keeps worsening with time which deteriorates the condition of the patients. However, with right in-home care, a dementia patient can definitely live the kind of life they want.
Understand what the patients are dealing with
All a dementia patient needs is someone to take care of them. The patient might get confused about many things, lose the track of the time they are living in or start forgetting their family members and friends. And because of their condition, they easily get frustrated. Be in their shoes, if you really want to understand them and their situation.
Do not treat them with disgust. Forcing them to do something will only make them more agitated. Also, keep encouraging them to remember their loved ones and good times. Talk to them about their likes and dislikes and do not argue with them.
Ask for help or support
Even the experienced caregivers need help. Do not feel shy or hesitate when you are in need of support or help. Take the help of the support groups that have caregivers like you dealing with same or different situations. Share your problems with them. You will feel good when surrounded with the people just like you. This will relax you for sure. Also, you will get to learn a lot from everyone.
You can also ask for help from one of your fellow caregivers you are comfortable with. They can give you tips and advice to deal with the patients with Dementia. Talk to them about your issues. Maybe they can help you in solving the issues that your patient is dealing with.
The various challenges can affect the behavior of the patients making dementia an extremely distressing experience. The caregivers also encounter various problems while handling the dementia patients on a regular basis. Therefore, these invaluable basic tips will help the caregiver to deal with these hurdles and also keep calm during difficult times.