The symptoms of dementia often lead seniors to experience negative emotions that interfere with their quality of life. At times, this presents challenges for caregivers who may not always be sure how to respond. In these cases, it is often better to give reassurance to seniors from the very first sign they are experiencing a conflict. Here are a few ways offering reassurance can enhance dementia care.
Understand the Power of Reassurance
Dementia generates feelings of confusion, fear, and anger that can lead seniors to act out. However, just a calming touch or a few words of reassurance are usually all it takes to help seniors regain a more positive state of mind. Over time, your loved one may begin to respond faster to your reassurances as you develop a greater bond that includes trust. Even letting your loved one know you will not leave him or her during a time of need could help him or her look to the future with greater peace.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Mississauga Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Protects Dignity
Respect between a caregiver and a senior loved one is always important to preserve. However, challenging behaviors can sometimes lead to frustration. Your loved one might sometimes balk at being corrected by someone from a younger generation. Instead of correcting your loved one or losing your temper, offering reassurance that you will address his or her concerns promotes dignity.
Soothes Agitation
A senior with dementia may become agitated and exhibit behaviors such as pacing, repetition, or wandering. If your loved one exhibits these challenging behaviors, incorporate reassuring gestures that let him or her know you are there to help him or her regain control. A simple pat on the arm or holding your loved one’s hand through a stressful event such as visiting the doctor may soothe agitation.
Dementia can result in several challenging behaviors that may be difficult for family caregivers to manage on their own. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Mississauga, Ontario, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Prevents the Blame Game
Older adults with dementia sometimes blame others for events that do not make much sense. For instance, your loved one may blame you for misplacing the television remote or claim someone broke in and stole something when memory loss makes it difficult for him or her to find personal items. When this happens, you can simply tell your loved one that you understand his or her frustration and offer reassurance that you will find his or her belongings.
Promotes a Positive Relationship
No one wants to get into an argument with someone they love, but trying to lecture your loved one could escalate the situation to a higher level of negativity. By offering reassurance rather than a lengthy explanation of why your loved one is mistaken, you can maintain a positive relationship that encourages him or her to turn to you when help is needed.
Dementia is a serious health concern that can impact your loved one’s mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Mississauga caregiver agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. To learn about our premier in-home care plans and how they can benefit your senior loved one, schedule a free in-home consultation with us at 905-337-1200 today.