Thursday, March 20, 2014

Caring for Dementia Patients




One of the most difficult things to deal with, when discussing dementia and Alzheimer's, is communication. Both the patient and the caregiver will likely feel frustrated when there seems to be a wall between them. If you're getting into home health care, you should be aware of the common situations when dealing with dementia. By doing this, you will be able to react more calmly and effectively, ultimately making communication that much better.

Aggressive Speech

When presented with an unusual situation, or any sort of discomfort, it's not uncommon for dementia patients to react angrily and belligerent. This fear from the unusual pushes the patient into an area of uncertainty, and they may refuse any suggestion. In these situations, you should always try to isolate the thing that is causing the irritation. Once handled, the tactic should be to be calm and reassuring, so that you can shift the focus elsewhere. By all means avoid instigating and making the situation worse.

Confusion

Another common reaction to being in an unfamiliar place is the need to return home. Dementia patients want a sense of control in their lives, and in certain situations they may feel they have lost that. If you're caring for someone who is confused, try to redirect their questions to something that will take their mind off of their state. Be short and concise, as long explanations tend not to work.

Poor Judgment

Finances, hoarding, and unfounded claims are another very common issue with dementia patients. They tend not to realize there is a problem with something as they do it. Always try to help organize these thoughts and activities, but do so without directly questioning their abilities. Try to be reassuring and calm in every instance, and you can usually get through any communication barriers.

If you're a caregiver or looking to hire a caregiver in the Austin, Texas area, we have home health care groups that are willing to work with you.