Dementia: Episode 2 When the going gets tough….
October 10, 2017
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The most devastating challenge that faces anyone caring for a loved one with Dementia is the personality and behaviour changes that often occur.
To face these challenges one must be patient, compassionate and remember not to take anything personally. Its is unfathomable to imagine that the person you love so much could be so difficult and hurtful. There are important things to remember when dealing with these troubling and upsetting moments.
- You cannot change the person the they have have become. They have brain disorder that defines who they are. Trying to change them can cause confusion, frustration and agitation.
- People with Dementia often find it difficult to communicate what they want or need. They may do something out of the ordinary each day that seems bizarre to you, but this could be them trying to communicate a want or need they may have. Try to be patient. In episode one, a key point was not to make them feel bad or that their behaviour is not acceptable. All their behaviour is triggered by words or even a change in environment. Once again be flexible and creative, and be kind always, as hard as it may be.
- Remember that what works today in dealing with troubling or difficult behaviour may not work tomorrow. This is nature of the disease as it progresses. You have to be flexible and sometimes creative in how you deal with the problems as they arise.
- Check with their Doctor. Some behavioural issues may be because their is an underlying medical condition. They may be in pain or reacting badly to a certain medication. It is important to rule those factors out.
- You are not alone. There are Care Agencies, like Divine Care and Training that can provide you with support and much needed help and possible rest that you may need. It is almost a full time job caring for a loved one with Dementia and sometimes hiring a Caregiver who to relieve you of some of the stress and perhaps help you to be recharge and the time spent with your loved one is a little easier as you have the help on hand.