Undoubtedly, our circumstances differ in detail, but my thoughts here and your Comments below might help each of us who cares for an adult with some form of dementia or an inability to process or recall information.
- Note the attention span of the person in your care. One minute? Three?
- Be prepared to answer the same question or hear the same story many, many times.
- Offer needed instructions one sentence at a time. Too much information at once frustrates and confuses.
- Dreams might replace actual memories. Avoid arguing or saying things like, “You’re wrong” or “That’s not what happened. Change the subject, use distraction, and get out a photo album or scrapbook to boost memories.
- Show respect and empathy, not pity, intolerance, or (God forbid!) disgust.
- Welcome, encourage, and dwell on any show of positive attitudes such as the person’s humor, delight in little things, and appreciation for nature, you, and God.
Equally
important:
- Take care of yourself!
- Rest whenever you can, even in snatches.
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Find creative outlets. Give yourself permission to color outside the lines.
- Read up on the condition you’re dealing with and look for support groups.
- Try not to put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. For example, never, never stand in front of someone who looks like they’re about to pass out or fall!
- Walk behind and be ready to grab onto a shirt or belt, not to hold the person up, but to help steady the individual until balance returns.
- Take a walk when you need a break. If that’s impossible, try taking three deep breaths.
- Talk to your pastor, priest, or other spiritual person you trust.
- Sing hallelujah songs. Praise God.
- Pray, pray, pray!
©2022,
Mary Sayler
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