Trying to calm dementia outbursts is an art and a skill. Anxiety and agitation are common symptoms that someone with dementia may experience. And if you are a family member caring for someone with dementia you may not know what to do. This in turn may cause you to become anxious.
And That Will Only Make the Situation Worse.
As you become upset your loved one will pick up on your energy and become more upset. It is a vicious cycle.
Here are 3 steps our caregivers use that work. Try these techniques with your loved one.
Step # 1- Adjust the environment
Are there noises that may be distracting? Turn off the TV and ask others in the house to please lower their voices. Consider moving into a quiet room. If you do not have a place like this in your home consider setting one up. This is especially helpful if there are a lot of people in the house at one time. Outside noises and distractions can be confusing for someone with dementia. This can lead to anxiety and agitation.
The quiet room may have aroma therapy and soothing music or sounds. There may be items to fidget with that can help calm. Does your loved one have a favorite blanket? Make sure to bring it into the room. Also, pay attention to your breath. Taking nice deep breaths will encourage your loved one to slow down their breathing also. And this can really help to lower anxiety levels
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Step # 2- Find Activities to Distract
You may go for a walk or a drive through the neighborhood. Or you could also ask the person if they can help you with a task. It could be to look for something, fold clothes, gardening or make a smoothie to enjoy. Anything that will get their mind off of what is bothering them. Our caregivers are specially trained in caring for people with dementia. As such, they know a number of techniques that may help.
Step #3 – Calm, Listen and Reassure
Everyone wants to know that others are listening. A dementia patient is no different. Pay attention to your tone of voice and make sure that you have a smiling and reassuring face. Your loved one may not understand everything you say to them. But they will pick up on all of your non-verbal clues. And if you are anxious and upset, they will be also.
If you find that you are often getting short tempered with your loved one it is time to reach out for help. Being a good caregiver means you are aware of your limitations. A good caregiver doesn’t have to do all of the caring by themselves. They simply need to make the best choices for the one they love.
Call_281-282-0770 to schedule a tour of Light Heart Memory Care. And remember to have a light heart. Everything is going to be okay.
In honor of our founder Pat Mack we are carrying on the tradition of caring for our residents in "The Light Heart Way"
Contact Heather for more information.
Email her today for more information.
Or Give us a call today and come for a tour.
281-282-0770
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