HELPFUL HINTS IN UNDERSTANDING AND

DEALING WITH PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

(from D. Carlson, AlzheimersDiseaseCenter, Mayo Clinic)

  • Although the person’s skills and abilities have declined, allow the person to do as much as they can for themselves. It gives a sense of accomplishment and increases self-esteem.
  • Be patient and do not rush the person. It may be helpful to break tasks down into smaller steps that the person can accomplish.
  • Skill level may change from day to day. Make frequent assessments of skills and adjust the level of expectation and assistance as the person becomes more impaired.
  • Structure, routine and familiarity will provide stability and comfort.
  • Changes in behavior and personality are part of the dementia process. If the person seems angry or hostile towards you, try to not take it personally. The difficult behavior may be a way the person is trying to tell us something, i.e., they have physical discomfort, the task is overwhelming, the environment is stressful or they cannot communicate their needs. Try to look for a cause of the problem – this will help you figure out how to handle the problem.
  • We cannot force the ability to remember. Don’t ask them to “try harder.”
  • The person may ask the same question over and over or repeat the same story because they no longer remember what they said or they need reassurance. They may be reaching out for interaction and connection with others.
  • As the disease process worsens, communication needs change. People may lose their ability to express themselves before they lose their ability to understand. Nonverbal communication becomes more important as time passes. Pay attention to feelings.
  • Be aware of how the environment is affecting the person (noise, stimulation, unfamiliarity)
  • Reminiscence can be very useful and validating – memories of the past remain intact longer.
  • Be aware of how your own behavior and emotions affects the person with dementia. The person will be able to read your frustration or acceptance; often they mirror other people’s moods.
  • The person sometimes cannot control his/her behavior because inhibition, impulse, control and judgment have declined.
  • Don’t place unreasonable demands on the person. Don’t expect them to regain lost skills but encourage remaining capabilities.
  • Suspiciousness is often one of the symptoms of the disease. Reassurance and distraction may be helpful. Do not try to argue or reason with a person with dementia – their ability to reason is no longer there.
  • Provide for a person’s safety as their judgment declines.
  • Remember to use your own sense of humor and recognize the importance of having fun together.
  • Know just how important you are to the person and take care of yourself.