Caring for a patient with dementia is not an easy task – whether you are a carer or a family member. The changes that dementia patients go through cause them to lose cognitive abilities and make them rely on others as the disease progresses.

So, how can you help a dementia patient as a family member or a carer?

Tips for caring for someone with dementia

Caring for dementia patients comes with its own challenges, from not showing interest in daily activities to a dementia patient refusing to go into care. These situations can be emotionally and physically challenging for caregivers, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to overcome these difficulties.

Establishing a daily routine

Making a consistent routine for dementia patients can be of great help to them in managing their tasks. You, as a caregiver, can include the following activities for a healthy daily routine:

• Make sure they sleep and get up at the same time every day
• Give them meals at the fixed times
• Help them do their basic daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.
• Plan their outings to socialise with friends and family
• Engage them in physical activity
• Make a routine for short breaks and naps

Ensuring a clean and healthy living space

It is crucial for patients to follow a hygiene routine so that the risk of infectious diseases and other health problems can be avoided. For this, you should ensure that they do not come in contact with someone who is unwell and keep the frequently used objects clean and disinfected.

The living area should be well-cleaned and sanitised regularly to protect them against infections. Ensure that they wash their hands before taking meals and medications.

Due to declining memory, they may need support in remembering essential hygiene practices to help them maintain good hygiene.

Evaluating the individual’s physical health

For dementia patient refusing personal care, monitoring their physical health is of utmost importance, especially when they are not able to express their pain or other symptoms. How do you assess their health?

• Look for signs of injuries – cuts or bruises on the skin – and provide help if needed
• Ensure that they take their medications on time and attend their appointments in case they are dealing with chronic diseases
• Monitor them regularly for signs of fever, cough, or difficulty breathing

If you notice any signs of deteriorating health, you should immediately seek professional help to avoid risks.

Engaging in meaningful activities

Engaging them in some kind of activity can help prevent feelings of isolation and help them deal with the illness. You can engage them in these activities:

• Brain games such as puzzles to maintain cognitive health
• Watching a tv show or a movie
• Gardening
• Light exercise or yoga
• Household chores – cooking or baking, laundry, cleaning, etc.

These activities can help individuals maintain their cognitive as well as their physical health. This also helps them reduce anxiety, depression, or feelings of loneliness. Group activities can prove really helpful for people with dementia.

Effective communication strategies

With the progression of dementia, individuals might find it difficult to express their feelings or understand others. Therefore, communicating with them is an important element while providing care.

You can help them express themselves by initiating discussions on something they love to talk about or asking yes or no questions. While talking to them, try to be affectionate through facial expressions and use a positive tone of voice.

Speaking with a calm voice and using simple language can make the conversations more comfortable and effective.

Managing stress

People with dementia may experience feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. These feelings may be accompanied by confusion, anger, and agitation.

Therefore, as a caregiver, you should care for them by providing something that can occupy their attention, such as puzzles or some tasks. Engaging them in some kind of activity may help reduce stress and keep them calm.

Try to avoid situations that may cause them to become confused or frustrated. Ensure the living space is calm, with no harsh lights or noises.

Recognising when to seek medical assistance

Dementia patients may usually show slight signs of confusion and frustration. However, if you notice increased confusion, it might indicate they are unwell and need urgent medical help. Here are some signs that, if noticed, should be addressed immediately:

• New confusion
• Chest pain
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• High fever
• Difficulty in breathing
• Risk of harming themselves or others

Seeking professional help early on will help you prevent complications and ensure the patient’s well-being.

Takeaway

While it may seem overwhelming to handle people with dementia, following these tips could help you make effective care strategies and ease their lives. Whether it’s making a routine or communicating with the patient, every little step you take will make a greater impact on their health and cognitive abilities.

For dementia patients who might not be cared for at home, there are many facilities designed to provide specialized care. Dementia patients refusing to go into care homes can be convinced by communicating and providing reassurance. Approaching communication with patience and empathy will help them make the right decision.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.