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Tips for carers of people with dementia
If you’re caring for someone with dementia it’s important to understand that if the behaviour of the person you care for changes, it’s not anyone’s fault – it’s the result of changes in the brain. It’s also worth remembering that there are lots of services available that offer education, support and respite so that you can take a break.
- Communication
- Eating and nutrition
- Working with the medical profession
- Hygiene
- Sleeping
- Dementia and behaviour
- More tips for carers
- Government information services
Communication
You may notice changes in the way that you communicate with the person you care for. For example, they may find it hard to find a word, speak fluently, understand, write, read or express emotions. They may also lose normal social conventions of conversation, for example ignoring what you’re saying or interrupting you.When communicating with someone with dementia it’s important to:
- check their hearing and eyesight to make sure that this isn’t the source of the problem
- remember that people retain their feelings and emotions even though they may not understand what you’re saying
- stay calm, allow time for them to understand, use short, simple sentences and help orientate them by describing what you’re about to do, who is about to visit and their relationship with this person
- use positive body language and touch, as this forms a large part of communication, and
- try not to argue, be condescending, order the person around, ask questions that rely on a good memory or talk about them in the presence of other people.
Eating and nutrition
People with dementia may need to be reminded to eat and drink. They may also find it difficult to chew and swallow. If someone with dementia is living in an aged care home, hospital, or on their own, eating and drinking should be carefully monitored. Here are a few tips worth noting:- make certain that there isn’t a treatable cause of appetite loss, such as acute illness, depression or denture pain
- offer snacks and meals regularly, perhaps trying 5-6 small meals a day
- try an alarm call or phone call as a reminder at mealtimes
- try and avoid confusion between foods by encouraging the person to finish one food before moving on to the next
- serve foods that are familiar
- demonstrate chewing if this seems to be the problem, and eat with the person so that they can copy you
- if they’re having difficulty with cutlery, encourage finger foods
- consider nutrition supplements, particularly in later stage dementia when people tend to lose a lot of weight
- make sure that they get enough fluids, and
- encourage regular physical exercise.
Working with the medical profession
As dementia progresses, you’ll probably meet many health professionals involved in the care of your family member or friend with dementia. Think of these people as part of your team and take time to find a doctor who is able to offer support, take time to answer your questions and is respectful towards the person you care for. Remember, if you don’t understand what is being said, don’t be afraid to ask them to say it again in a different way.Also, it’s worth knowing that people with dementia will be affected by the same ailments as other people, and if they’re in pain they may have difficulty communicating this to you or the doctor. You can look out for symptoms such as behavioural changes, crying, facial movements or a reluctance to move. You may also wish to have regular dental appointments as people with dementia often suffer from problems such as reduced production of saliva, changed eating habits and reduced ability to maintain oral hygiene.
If you are required to go to the hospital try and remain calm, arrange admission during a quiet time and give hospital staff as much written information on the patient and their medications as you can.
Hygiene
You may find that the person you’re caring for loses interest in personal hygiene. If this is the case be patient and encouraging about bathing, making certain there’s enough warmth and light in the bathroom. Play calming music if they like this and choose the best time of day for personal care. You may wish to try offering limited options, such as the choice between a bath or a shower. You also may have to address their fears of water, of falling and of feeling out of control. Other hygiene issues to consider are toileting, shaving, cleaning ears, tactfully providing fresh clothes and maintaining dental care as well as personal grooming.Read more: Dementia and continence management
Sleeping
People with dementia may be confused between night and day, making sleeping difficult. Also, sleep may be affected by changes in the brain’s biological clock, illness, depression, side effects of medication, urinary tract infections, arthritis and sleep apnoea. Sleeplessness can also be caused by going to bed early, not getting enough exercise, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, feelings of hunger and upset daily routines.Your doctor should be consulted about any causes of sleeplessness that can be treated, such as depression or medication. You can also contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 for helpful tips on managing sleep disorders.
Dementia and behaviour
Carers may be concerned with changes in behaviour as dementia progresses. Although these can be upsetting, there are many strategies for understanding, coping and problem solving that may help.Read more: Dementia and behaviour
More tips for carers
Alzheimer’s Australia produces a series of help-sheets for carers of people with dementia, including a useful safety checklist. You can visit their website or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. We’ve also included a few helpful caring and safety tips below.If the person you care for has memory loss:
- it’s important that they carry appropriate identification at all times, including their name, address and an emergency contact number. An identity bracelet is ideal
- some home modifications and equipment such as automatic cut offs for hot water jugs and other appliances can be helpful
- a communication book by the phone or somewhere handy can provide a list of what’s happening and who has been to visit, and
- display emergency and commonly used telephone numbers near the phone.
- try not to make any changes to a familiar environment unless absolutely necessary
- consider having medications checked as this can be a common cause of confusion
- use notice boards and reminder notes to list the things that are happening or need remembering
- nightlights in the hallways and in the toilet may be useful to assist a person to find their way to the bathroom, and
- easy to read clocks and large calendars can be helpful reminders of the time and date.
Read more: Home design and modification
Government information services
There’s a lot of government information available for people with dementia and their carers, which you can download for free:- The Caring Experience An Essential guide for carers of people with dementia This is a very popular and practical booklet, which provides information, stories, advice and support, collected from carers and service providers throughout Australia. This booklet will help you develop new skills in the way you manage difficult behaviour, from problems with continence, eating, sleeping or wandering, to violence and hallucinations. It also takes you through some problem-solving steps that may be helpful. You can download this booklet or order it free of charge, through the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.
- Living with Dementia - If the person you are caring for has been diagnosed with dementia this book may help you. It contains ideas about ways you may help them and gives you information about services that can offer them support. Many people with dementia have contributed their ideas and advice to the book.
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