Caring for seniors who have dementia is challenging for family caregivers. There are the daily tasks, healthcare needs, transportation issues, and so much more. But dementia impacts behavior as well, and sometimes seniors aren’t able to express themselves in the ways that they did in the past. With the right information and help from Alzheimer’s care services, it’s possible to navigate these issues a little more easily.
Agitation and Aggression
Agitation and aggressive reactions are extremely common in dementia patients. The reality is, though, that these reactions are often triggered because seniors are frustrated, uncomfortable, or confused and they don’t have another way to express those feelings. Identifying the underlying issue goes a long way toward reducing this issue. Helping seniors to engage in activities that calm them can help a lot, too.
Sundowning
Sundowning is a pattern of increased restlessness and confusion that seniors with dementia might exhibit in the late afternoon or early evening. There isn’t one solid cause for sundowning, but there are things family caregivers can do. Working with home care providers to establish consistent daily routines can help a lot. Exposing seniors to natural light during the day and adjusting lighting in the afternoon and evening can also make a difference. Avoiding stimulants, like caffeine, after late afternoon is another idea.
Repetitive Questioning
Very often, seniors with dementia ask the same questions over and over. These sessions of repetitive questions typically occur because of memory loss, anxiety, and confusion. The biggest thing to remember is that seniors engaging in repetitive questioning don’t remember that they’ve asked the same questions. It’s important to keep empathy and patience in mind and to use visual cues and memory aids to help seniors feel calmer.
Language Difficulties
Another common problem for seniors with dementia involves language difficulties. This can be expressed in a variety of ways. Some seniors have trouble finding the right words while talking and might substitute incorrect words. Others may have trouble reading and writing, but no trouble speaking. Long sentences and complicated instructions often become more challenging as dementia progresses, too. Using notes and reminders can help, as can simplifying spoken and written communication.
How to Cope
Family caregivers don’t want to be frustrated with the people they love who have dementia. However, managing these challenging behaviors more and more often gets understandably frustrating. It’s so important for family caregivers to have options for respite care, such as home care providers who can take over for them while they take a break. They also need to practice self-care, including sleeping well, eating healthy foods, and managing their own health needs. Allowing Alzheimer’s care providers to help with difficult situations can make a huge difference.
Dealing with these sorts of behaviors every day requires a lot of patience, which also means being proactive about getting care assistance. Alzheimer’s care providers understand how difficult this can be for seniors and for family caregivers. The support they offer enables families to understand what’s going on and to find solutions that work for their families.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Care in Lewisville, TX, please contact the caring staff at Arcy Healthcare today at (469) 293-1515
Providing In-Home Healthcare Services in North Texas, including Dallas, Hurst, Grapevine, Keller, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Gainesville, and more.
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, MaximaCare Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (MaximaCare Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
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