What to Do When a Senior with Dementia Accuses You of Something

Posted in Home Care in Enterprise AL, Home Health Care in Enterprise AL |

April 4, 2019

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While many of the behaviors that occur with dementia can be challenging, some of them can also be hurtful. The altered reality of dementia sufferers can cause them to think things that are true. This can lead to them making accusations against caregivers and other people they are close to. They may accuse family members of things like stealing or accuse a spouse of cheating. Though it’s hard to hear such accusations, knowing how to deal with them can make them a little easier. Below are some tips for handling false accusations made by a senior with dementia.

 

Home Health Care in Enterprise AL: Senior Dementia

Home Health Care in Enterprise AL: Senior Dementia

 

Remember the Accusation is a Symptom and Not Personal

When someone is saying you did something that you didn’t, it can be hard to not let it affect you. Keep in mind that the accusation is a symptom and isn’t personal. Try not to respond negatively to what they say. Instead, stay calm and respond to the emotions that may be causing the accusation. Reassure them and let them know you care about them.

 

Avoid Arguing

Arguing with a person who has dementia won’t do any good. They are firmly rooted in their reality, which isn’t the same as yours. Because dementia affects their ability to reason, all your attempts at convincing them won’t work. You’ll only make them even more upset. Instead, let them talk and tell you what they think is going on. Acknowledge their concerns and reassure them. This can calm them by making them feel like you’ve heard and understood them.

 

Try Using Humor

Sometimes no other tactics work. When that happens, using humor may diffuse the situation. Make a self-deprecating joke and tell the person you’re lucky they put up with you. Be cautious in using this technique since using it at the wrong time could make the person feel like you’re making fun of them or not taking their concerns seriously.

 

Offer a Distraction

People with dementia can become fixated on the false accusation and obsess over it. Tell them you’ve heard the accusation, then offer some kind of activity to distract them. Pick something you know they enjoy, like doing a puzzle or watching a favorite television show. You might also offer them their favorite snack.

Elderly care agencies are often able to match their clients with the skills and experiences of their staff members. This means that the elderly care provider assigned to your aging relative probably has had some experience in caring with seniors who have dementia, making them adept at dealing with difficult behaviors. Your aging relative’s elderly care provider will know how to deal with false accusations as well as other challenging behaviors, so you can be certain the older adult is safe and comfortable.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Enterprise, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

 

Sources
Dailycaring.com
Alzheimers.org.uk
Verywellhealth.com

 

Simple Holiday Celebrations for Seniors with Dementia

Posted in Caregiver in Hartford AL, Dementia, Senior Health |

December 24, 2018

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The winter holidays are filled with laughter, music, delicious smells and festivities for young and old. However, for many elderly adults with dementia, it can mean confusion, anxiety, and stress. If your aging loved one has dementia, you may not be clear on what to do to help them enjoy the holidays. Many family caregivers struggle with this exact dilemma this time of year, and unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. It all depends on your elderly loved one and your unique situation.

 

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Dementia and Holidays

Caregiver in Hartford AL: Dementia and Holidays

 

Plan Ahead for Holiday Celebrations

Torn between your desire to recreate special holiday memories and knowing that anything out of the routine is often a trigger, how can you know what to do to help your elderly loved one? First, evaluate your aging loved one’s abilities and reactions in past situations. Then, try to avoid any known triggers as you make holiday plans. You can also use family members, friends, and senior care providers to assist you with your elderly relative around the holidays.

 

Simple is Best for Seniors with Dementia

As you make plans for the holidays, you may be feeling stressed about getting everything done and creating a fun-filled celebration for your aging loved one. However, simple events are best for those with dementia because too much stimulation can lead to anxiety, worry, and irritability. You can bring holiday cheer to their lives without introducing hardships for yourself and them. Incorporate meaningful holiday traditions into their existing routines for the best results.

 

Here are a few ideas for creating simple holiday celebrations for seniors with dementia:

-Encourage your aging loved one to sign holiday cards and send them out. As they receive cards, from others, display them where they can be seen.

-Don’t go overboard with holiday decorations. Instead, choose a few beloved pieces and put them around the home to evoke fond memories without changing too much of the atmosphere.

-Invite favorite smells of the holidays with scented wax or diffusers for aromatherapy. Popular holiday scents include cloves, cinnamon, gingerbread, sugar cookie, and apple spice.

-Bake holiday cookies using your aging loved one’s favorite recipe and perhaps make a plate to share with their senior care provider or a familiar neighbor.

-Invite grandchildren to visit and do a simple holiday craft together. Most seniors like to interact with young children and will enjoy interacting together.

-Plan a small holiday gathering with a few close family members and the senior care provider. Hold it during the time of day when your elderly relative is usually at their best. Keep it short and simple, with plenty of holiday cheer.

-Host a holiday sing-a-long with a few good friends or family members. Many seniors with dementia like to listen to music and sing songs that are special to them.

 

No matter what you do to bring the holiday spirit to your aging loved one’s life, you can’t do it alone. Ask family members, senior care providers and friends for help in creating simple and effective holiday celebrations for your aging relative with dementia.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Hartford, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.