Most Common Dementia Questions Answered for Caregivers

Caregivers of individuals with dementia face unique challenges and concerns due to the progressive nature of the condition. One facet of caregiving for those with dementia is certain: every person with dementia is unique.

What one person may experience with dementia can be totally different from another person's experience - even if they are diagnosed in the same period with the same type of dementia. However, there are some typical mannerisms and responses among those who suffer from dementia. Here are some of the biggest questions caregivers often have regarding dementia care.

What activities can I engage my loved one in to stimulate their cognitive function?

Caregivers often want to provide engaging activities that promote mental stimulation and maintain cognitive function for as long as possible. You can do many simple and easy activities with little or no equipment. By incorporating these strategies into daily routines, caregivers can help stimulate brain cognition and improve the quality of life for seniors with dementia.

Engaging in physical activity is excellent for cognitive care! Regular physical exercise can enhance cognitive function and overall well-being. You don't have to be a gym rat or exercise for hours daily to receive long-term cognitive benefits for your brain. Activities such as walking, dancing, and chair exercises are easy and beneficial ways to get moving. So put on your loved one's favorite music and have a dance party for two!

Regular social engagement is crucial for brain health. Encourage your senior with dementia to participate in group activities and social gatherings or simply spend time with friends and family to foster social connections and stimulate the brain.

Incorporate activities stimulating the senses, such as aromatherapy, tactile experiences, and listening to music. Involve seniors in creative activities like painting, crafting, or music. Sensory activities can evoke memories and improve mood. These activities can help express emotions, enhance mood, and stimulate cognitive functions.

Use memory aids such as calendars, labels, and reminders to support cognitive function and independence. These tools help seniors with dementia remember important tasks and information. Color-coding calendar blocks are also helpful so they can easily see the day, type of activity, or when they need medication.

Promote good sleep hygiene to ensure seniors get sufficient rest. Good sleep hygiene is essential for quality sleep at any age, especially when we age. Ensure that lighting is turned down at night, the television is off before bedtime (and your senior doesn't fall asleep in front of the TV), and establish a bedtime routine that includes time to relax before bed. Quality sleep is essential for cognitive processing and overall health.

What strategies can I use to manage challenging behaviors?

Although "behaviors" is a common term used to describe how a person with dementia acts up, I feel that this word has a negative connotation and is highly overused. When I think of the word "behaviors," I remember my youngest daughter throwing a tantrum on the floor. That is a behavior - she chose to act out. And while the elderly loved one may be acting out, they don't understand what is happening to them. Because they are losing their memory, they also don't have the capacity to learn a new skill set to successfully handle their anxiety. I prefer to call them mannerisms.

Dementia can lead to mannerisms such as aggression, agitation, and wandering. The elderly can forget where they are quickly, become aggressive as a result of anxiety caused by an environmental trigger, or become agitated as their body's physical senses change over time.

Watch what happens before they become stressed - is there a smell, animal, person, or physical interaction that preceded their mannerisms? There is always a reason for their behavior - whether the caregiver knows the reason. If you can find the trigger, remove the person from the environment or redirect them to "Would you like to go outside and watch the birds with me?" Before their mannerism intensifies, you have a good chance of stopping the windfall of lashing out without causing harm or distress to your loved one.

When should I consider moving my loved one to a memory care facility?

There are several benefits of moving into a memory care facility. First, the staff is trained in dementia care. Second, precautions and safety measures are implemented for those who wander (memory care units are locked down, which means you must know the code to get through the door). Lastly, the activities are geared toward the limited physical ability of dementia patients so they can have fun!

Since each person is different and dementia progresses differently, I advise my clients to think about memory care when their loved one can no longer manage their finances, is trying to leave the house, or has mannerisms that are incredibly stressful to manage. If you can transition when your elderly senior still remembers faces and names, that can also be an excellent time to move to memory care.

How do I handle the progression of the disease as it affects daily living tasks?

As dementia progresses, everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and eating can become challenging. Once your senior cannot make rational decisions - i.e., they are putting objects in their mouth, saying nonsensical sentences, or not remembering what they did in the last hour - you'll want to start by storing or placing dangerous objects such as knives, in a high cabinet or locked in a box they cannot open. Put away and lock up all medication in a safe place so they do not have free access to medication.

They may forget to take two or three doses—or worse, too many doses—because they think they didn't take their medicine when they have already taken it.

Asking a family member or neighbor to assist you in making breakfast, lunch, or dinner is helpful. You can also hire in-home caregivers (check to ensure they have dementia training and experience) to assist with caregiving so you can get a break! Having an extra hand or two is essential for the caregiver's help and to maintain your loved one's dignity.

How can I ensure my loved one's safety at home when they have dementia?

Safety concerns are paramount to caregivers, especially as this disease progresses. Home modifications such as video cameras, keypads on doors, and having an emergency alert device the senior can wear (but not one they press themself) can all assist in caregiving for a senior with dementia.

Locking cabinet doors that have unsafe items in them, removing any poisonous plants around the house (people with dementia often go out and eat any plants they find), and giving neighbors in the area a little "fact sheet" on your loved one with dementia, along with your phone number they can call if your senior shows up at their house, are all ways you can provide a safety net for your loved one with dementia.

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a demanding role that requires ongoing learning and adaptation. Caregivers should not hesitate to seek information, professional guidance, and support to ensure they provide the best possible care while also caring for their well-being.

The material provided in the Pacific Northwest Seniorcare website articles is for educational purposes only. This information does not substitute professional legal, financial, or medical advice. By using this website, you acknowledge and agree that Pacific Northwest Seniorcare is not responsible or liable for any decision made or action based on the information provided in the articles. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding these matters.

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