8 Truths of Dementia Caregiving
As we travel our own unique journeys, most of us find that certain phrases or concepts take on the status of truth in our world view. Our personal principles may not be identical to those of others, but we know what is true for us.
Below, I’ve shared a few of my own truths that I have adopted throughout my years of caregiving experience. Some are specific to dementia caregivers, but most are also applicable to other elder care scenarios.
My Principles of Dementia Caregiving” Learn about the kind of dementia your loved one has.
The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as “an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills that affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.” While Alzheimer’s disease is the most well-known type of dementia, there are many others. Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia (LBD), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Parkinson’s disease with dementia and mixed dementia are some of the most prevalent kinds, and each is characterized by a unique set of symptoms, diagnostic criteria and changes in the brain. For this reason, it’s important that the physician treating your loved one (often a neurologist) is qualified to make a diagnosis, monitor their progression and recommend strategies for managing symptoms. Learning about the type of dementia that your care receiver has (as well as their other health issues) will help you better understand their behavior and provide more compassionate care.
Be as flexible as possible. Dementia patients’ moods, behaviors and abilities often change not only from day to day, but also from moment to moment. If your loved one is having a bad day, don’t take it personally. Do what you can to keep them safe, healthy and content while hoping that tomorrow will be better. Just accept that there will be ups and downs throughout your journey. Paying attention to patterns in their behavior can help you avoid situations that trigger agitation or confusion and devise a daily routine that works well for both of you. However, no strategy or solution is totally foolproof in dementia care. This is why flexibility is key. On particularly frustrating days…
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “I hold onto your book as a life preserver and am reading it slowly on purpose…I don’t want it to end.” …Craig William Dayton, Film Composer
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