Dementia Care: How to Deal with Stubborn Patients

Dealing with dementia can be frustrating for both patients and families. As the disease worsens and patients age, dementia sufferers need to deal with increased memory loss, confusion and difficulty with daily tasks. However, many want to maintain their independence and will often refuse support.

If this sounds like an elderly loved one in your life, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to help you cope with a dementia patient in your family if you find yourself searching “dementia day care near me” in frustration.

Try to Understand Their Point of View

It can be difficult to accept the ageing process. Add to that the effects of dementia that your loved one is facing, and you can see how hard their life has become. It’s best to approach discussions about securing care with compassion. Do your best to present facts about how this support will benefit not only your elderly loved one but also fellow family members. They may find comfort in hearing about how dementia caregivers will provide help with medication, chores, grooming and more — all of which will help them to live a healthy life while staying at home.

Ask What Support They Need

Since everyone’s needs are different, your loved one’s dementia may cause them to need support in some areas and not others. For example, they may need assistance with getting to and from their medical appointments but are still able to bathe and groom themselves daily. By collaborating with your loved one, you can arrange a care plan that provides support in areas where they need it most.

Practise Your Patience

Patients with dementia may have a wandering mind that makes it difficult for them to focus. As you talk about care options, be calm and patient as it may take time for them to really hear what you are saying. When they change the topic, engage in conversation and gently try to bring chatter back to discussing their care. A calm and comfortable environment for their conversations can also help to put the patient at ease.

Present More Than One Option

There are many available options for dementia care. There are live-in facilities, day programs and caregivers who will come to your home to provide support. Be sure to explain the different options available to your loved one and include them in making a final decision on the level of care that suits them best.

Take Your Time

Ultimately, discussions around arranging care for a loved one with dementia are not to be rushed. Take your time to ensure your elderly loved one understand the options available and is comfortable with the level of care being arranged.

At iCare Home Health in Oakville, our dementia caregivers provide varying levels of support to assist patients. Whether you live in Oakville or another part of the GTA, we can create a custom plan to support you and your family in providing care to an elderly loved one with dementia. Contact us to discuss the support services best suited for your family.

Source: https://www.icarehomehealth.ca/dementia-care-how-to-deal-with-stubborn-patients/