Caring for loved ones with dementia, resulting from Alzheimer’s disease or other related health conditions, can be quite an effort. The challenges mostly stem from the patient’s changes in personality and their progressive loss of cognitive, physical, and functional abilities. The caregiving journey can be long and emotionally stressful due to the debilitating symptoms. But, there are several ways in which caregivers or family members can encourage dementia patients and improve their quality of life.

Caregiver’s guide to understanding dementia behaviors
Following certain strategies and tips can help manage the behavioral and communication difficulties that arise when caring for dementia patients.

Establish positive interactions
Maintaining positive communication can help lower the stress associated with caring for people with dementia. The way a caregiver uses body language and presents their attitude plays an important role in effectively conveying feelings and thoughts. Keeping interactions respectful and pleasant through facial expressions, tone of voice, and physical touch helps to sustain a positive mood, benefiting both the patient and the caretaker.

Assist in maintaining focus and attention
A person with dementia often struggles to focus on multiple things at a time. To prevent over-stimulation and help them pay attention to communication, it’s important to minimize noise and distraction. For example, switch off the TV or radio, close the door, or draw the curtains. Additionally, addressing the person by their name, introducing oneself gently by name, and using nonverbal cues can be useful in keeping them focused on the conversation or activity.

Convey all information clearly
When communicating with a person with dementia, it is beneficial to use simple words and sentences. Besides, speaking slowly and clearly in a reassuring voice can also help in the process. Avoid raising the voice, as it can trigger extreme reactions and cause distress. Instead, maintain a pitch that is lower than usual. In case the message does not get across the first time despite the efforts, wait a few minutes and then repeat the message. Try to rephrase the question or sentence, if required.

Practice patience
Dementia patients gradually lose their cognitive and functional abilities. As a result, they may find it difficult to respond and react appropriately. They often have trouble forming coherent sentences, and may forget the right words and phrases. To handle such situations, it is best to be patient with them. Pay attention to any nonverbal cues and body language that might suggest what they are trying to convey. One can also try to suggest words for what they are attempting to say.

Break down tasks into small steps
Dementia patients may also struggle with daily activities. So, it’s important to help them engage in tasks by breaking them down into a series of manageable steps. One can support them by providing assistance with what they can do and gently prompting them through the steps they may struggle with. Using visual cues in such situations can be effective too. For example, a caregiver can use their hands to show where to place a spoon on the dinner plate during meal times.

Use distraction during tough situations
As cognitive functions decline, the affected person may encounter challenges in managing their emotions. Oftentimes, they may exhibit anger and agitation as their primary reactions when they are upset. These situations can be distressing for both the caregiver as well the patient. One effective approach to diffuse this tension and distress is to redirect the individual’s attention. This can involve changing the subject, altering the environment, or proposing activities like going for a walk or engaging in their favorite activity.

Remember that it’s not possible to change the person
The brain of a person with dementia undergoes several changes, which invariably affect their behavior and personality, often beyond their control. In fact, the symptoms of dementia can become extreme over time as the health condition progresses through stages. Caregivers should remember this to avoid the mistake of trying to control or change the behavior of the affected person. Using force for change can lead to more stress and problems for everyone. Instead, one should employ strategies and methods that accommodate the changing behavioral traits of the person. For instance, if the person wants to sleep on the floor, make it more comfortable by placing a mattress instead of forcing them to sleep on the bed.

Maintain an exercise routine
It is common for people with dementia to wander or walk around aimlessly. This behavior may be driven by various factors, such as boredom, side effects of treatments, or a search for something or someone. Sometimes, wandering may occur due to physical needs, such as thirst, hunger, or restlessness. To make things easier, allot a specific time during the day for exercise. Low-intensity activities like walking can promote movement of the joints and muscles, thereby maintaining overall cardiovascular health.