Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel daunting, but you can improve their quality of life in numerous ways. In this article, we’ll share the 4 Rs of dementia care, which will help enhance their emotional state. We’ll also address how in-home care can help provide the support they need
Redirect—never reason.
If your loved one becomes upset, don’t try to reason them out of it. Instead, redirect. You can do this by initiating a new activity, moving to a calmer space, or having a snack together.
Focus on enhancing your loved one’s emotional state, helping them live in the moment through humor and other things they enjoy. Art can be a great emotional outlet and an engaging activity, whether it’s painting or coloring in a coloring book. Gentle forms of exercise, gardening, or puzzles can also be good activities for people with dementia.
Reminisce—never say “remember when.”
People with dementia can often recall events that happened decades ago more easily than what happened yesterday. However, they may not remember dates or other details, so avoid prompting them to remember specifics.
If they enjoy reminiscing about a certain period of their life, find photo albums and other memorabilia that you can look through together. Create a memory box of keepsakes they can handle, which might trigger positive memories and feelings.
Reassure—never lecture.
If, for example, your loved one tries to wander away from you in a store, don’t launch into a lecture about safety. Instead, provide reassurance, reminding them that you’re picking up groceries and you’re looking forward to making dinner together.
Dementia can cause loss of identity, confidence, and self-esteem, as the Alzheimer’s Society says. So, reassure and validate your loved one as an individual in ways like these, they urge:
- Listening to them when they’re trying to communicate, even if it takes time.
- Including them in conversations, and not finishing their sentences for them.
- When asking them a question, giving them options if they struggle to express ideas.
- Do tasks together when possible, breaking them into simple steps and providing lots of reassurance.
- Don’t dwell on what they have lost—find things they can do today.
Consistent reassurance will help your loved one feel a greater sense of well-being.
Repeat—never say “I told you so.”
If your loved one asks you the same question they’ve already asked several times, simply answer it. Pointing out that you’ve already responded to the question will only feel hurtful. If your loved one is fixating on something that is causing stress, you can then redirect. Relax, speaking in a calm tone, which will help them feel calmer too.
Companion care can help enhance your loved one’s well-being in all of these ways. A home care aide trained in dementia care can provide supportive social interaction and guide your loved one through enjoyable activities, while also ensuring safety. Contact us to schedule a free nurse consultation to discuss whether in-home care is right for your loved one.
