This can be verbal or physical and often occurs when the stress level of the person with dementia has been exceeded. Often the person with dementia feels their personal space is being invaded. Depression is often associated with verbal outbursts. Dealing with an acute episode can include: • Speak slowly, maintain eye contact and be calm • Divert attention away from the event • Distract and redirect the person • Investigate your loved one’s fears and show an understanding of their distress • Minimize external stimuli • Avoid events that trigger a reoccurrence.
Typically, these are requests for help. Consequently, they may be a response to stress, seeking attention, or lack of stimulation. Therefore, these interventions can lessen the effect: • Unmet need – hunger or thirst? • Reassurance if intimate care is approaching – the distress may be in anticipation of care procedures • Allow for pain, infection, constipation or other medical issues • Allow for more rest periods, verbal agitation can cause excessive fatigue • Consider smell, noise, light, temperature or activity.
Typically, the person with dementia feels very frustrated by their inability to orientate to time, place and a person. Therefore, when they are confused, questions are an irritant. Consequently, asking someone who does not know where they are, where they are going, causes annoyance. Therefore, simplify tasks by dividing dressing, bathing, and grooming into smaller tasks to accommodate memory deficits.
When a person finds communication difficult there are many forms of non verbal communication that can be used. These include old photos, family videos/DVD’s, singing, hobbies (gardening, cooking, etc). People with dementia can be very dependent on body language and tone of voice for communication. Remember, to a person with dementia, if they cannot see something, then as far as they are concerned, it isn’t there.
The damage to the brain may result in difficulty using the correct words or understanding the spoken word. Consequently, communication skills should be addressed, as early in the process, as possible. As a result, individuals may be able to transmit meaningful communication. Therefore, your loved one maintains social interaction, function and a quality of life. The person with dementia may repeat a phrase or word over and over. Obviously, this is very wearisome and frustrating for the caregiver but communication can be enhanced by: Avoid extra external noise Avoid distractions Use short simple sentences Avoid open ended questions Use direct…
You should evaluate whether you have the time, inclination, or skills to manage the challenges of your parents or loved one’s care. If you are not sure, call Senior Life Care Planning and we will give honest, independent and professional guidance to help you decide if we may be helpful to you, as you enter the legal, financial, and healthcare maze. You are not alone!
If you are not sure, call Senior Life Care Planning and we will give honest, independent and professional guidance to help you decide if we may be helpful to you, as you enter the legal, financial, and healthcare maze. You are not alone!
Palliative Care concentrates on your or your loved one's physical, psychological and spiritual needs to improve your quality of life during your illness. Additionally, family support is provided to family members during and after your illness. If you or a loved one is suffering from a serious or life-threatening illness or any of the following it is time to consider palliative care: Diagnosis or during a serious illness; End-of-life care; or Quality of life decisions The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life for you or your loved one. Additionally, palliative care focuses on care…
Senior Life Care Planning helps clients and their loved ones navigate the maze of legal, care and financial issues associated with dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, or other disabling health issues.
Frederick, MD 
301-663-9230
