Even though it’s easy to get sidetracked by all the physical aspects of dementia care, it’s also important to consider the emotional side of things. People with dementia may face difficulty understanding or expressing their feelings, but treating them with compassion is still essential. Not only does it help you connect to your senior loved one, but it also ensures their life is as pleasant and safe as possible. Here are some tips for making sure you incorporate compassionate care into your loved one’s life.
Respect Your Loved One’s Wishes Whenever Possible
Many seniors with dementia say the hardest part is being treated like a child. After a lifetime of experience and independence, having to rely on their family members or caregivers can feel infantilizing. Making sure to respect your loved one’s wishes as much as you can is a great way to empathize with their situation and treat them with kindness.
Even if things like having breakfast at 2 a.m. or wearing a formal gown to the grocery store might seem silly to you, the compassionate thing to do is accept their choices. Unless your loved one is doing something unsafe, giving them control over their own life is the compassionate thing to do.
Spend Time Together Frequently
Loneliness is another major challenge for seniors with dementia. Many families avoid their loved ones with dementia because it’s painful to visit a family member who no longer recognizes you. However, it’s still important to spend time with your loved one even if they don’t seem to notice you. Simple acts of companionship like sharing a snack or listening to music together can bring seniors joy even if they can no longer interact with you like they used to.
As a caregiver for a family member living with dementia, you bear a significant responsibility. Caring for someone with dementia is both physically and emotionally demanding, and neglecting your own wellbeing may lead to burnout and increased stress. Fortunately, you don’t have to shoulder this burden alone. At Companioa by Institute on Aging (IOA), our dementia social day program is here to support you. We understand the challenges of this journey and want to provide family caregivers like yourself with the opportunity to recharge and uplift their spirits.
Avoid Arguing & Correcting
For many people, it’s tempting to correct a loved one with dementia when they do things like call you by the wrong name or mix up the time of day. However, it’s more compassionate to avoid these disagreements.
Correcting your loved one doesn’t fix their dementia symptoms. All it does is add unnecessary stress to their day. In most cases, the kind thing to do is simply redirect the conversation to something else instead of trying to convince your loved one that they’re wrong.
Family members caring for loved ones with dementia also need to care for their own wellbeing. When you trust Companioa by IOA to provide dementia day care for your loved one, you can finally take a step back and allow our compassionate and skilled staff to provide the nurturing care your family member deserves. By taking some time for rest and respite, you can enhance your emotional balance, patience, and overall health, and, most importantly, strengthen your relationship with your loved one. Additionally, taking a break offers you the chance to connect with fellow caregivers and professionals, creating a support system to lean on as you navigate important decisions for the future.
Provide Verbal & Physical Reassurance
Living with dementia can be stressful and overwhelming, so it’s important to reassure your loved one as much as possible. Try to listen to their concerns and reassure them that you understand and wish to help.
Keep in mind complex verbal statements can be confusing, especially in the later stages, so try to be creative with the ways you provide reassurance. Even little things like a friendly smile or a gentle hug can calm a worried and anxious senior. Happy facial expressions and a soothing tone of voice can be even more important than the words you say.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can enjoy a higher quality of life when they join the supportive community at Companioa by IOA’s day care center for dementia, where individuals with dementia can thrive. With support from our specially trained and certified dementia care staff, seniors with dementia can discover joy, companionship, and a revived sense of connection. Our dedicated staff provides mental and social stimulation, daily group exercises, opportunities for artistic expression, fresh homemade meals, and personalized assistance in a modern, safe environment. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Connect Specialists today at (415) 750-4111.