https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGqYaRhjxrM Use special techniques to calm difficult situations When someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is distressed or upset, the first thing to do is help them calm down. Reducing their agitation will allow you to figure out what’s wrong or help solve the problem. In these situations, whatever threat or concern they’re experiencing is very real to them, so asking them to…
Social media gives people more opportunities to connect and socialize, something that’s especially important for preventing senior isolation. But there are risks and challenges. Laurel McLaughlin explains why social media can be dangerous for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and shares 4 tips to keep them safe while supporting their independence. Social media provides connection, but has a dark side Social…
Hospitals can bring out challenging dementia behavior Dementia and hospital stays are not a good combination. Hospitals are noisy, confusing environments that are full of strange people, bright lights, and reflective surfaces. On top of that, your older adult isn’t feeling well or is in pain and they’re being constantly touched, questioned, and poked. For someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, all of…
Understanding what’s causing troubling behaviors reduces conflict Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex brain diseases that change a person’s behavior, abilities, and sense of well-being. Understanding what’s causing challenging or confusing behaviors helps you respond without causing arguments. Minimizing conflict will make life easier and less stressful for both you and your older adult. The Center for Dementia Care at Seniors At Home,…
Someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can’t carry on a conversation the same way they used to because of the changes in their brain. Without realizing, we might put them under pressure if we communicate in ways that don’t work well for them. To avoid causing frustration or anger, Caring.com shares 3 pitfalls to steer clear of when talking to someone with dementia.…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfSaSmXqs6Q Note: This video is currently unavailable. In the meantime, we hope the descriptions of the video scenes below are helpful. Dementia distress makes it hard to help with essential care tasks When you’re helping someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia with a care task, they might suddenly become afraid, distressed, or panicked. You might be helping with something like moving positions in…
Knowing more about dementia makes caregiving easier Alzheimer’s and dementia are complex brain diseases that change your older adult’s behavior and affect family and friends. To provide great care and reduce your own stress, the first step is to find out more about the disease. Getting a better understanding of the basics takes away some of the uncertainty and anxiety. We worked…
Screening tests aren’t enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s or dementia Alzheimer’s and dementia screening tests like the Mini Mental Status Exam or the MoCA don’t always detect signs of cognitive problems, especially if someone is in the early stages. Screening tests also aren’t comprehensive enough to make a proper diagnosis. If dementia-like symptoms and a screening test both indicate that someone has cognitive issues,…
Learn from caregivers who have been through it Caring for someone with dementia isn’t intuitive and doesn’t come naturally. There’s a lot to learn, but you don’t have to figure everything out the hard way. In a helpful article at Verywell, social worker Esther Heerema shares 12 dementia care tips that caregivers have learned and wished they’d known sooner. This advice isn’t…
Sexually inappropriate behavior in Alzheimer’s patients, such as inappropriate comments, disrobing, or unwanted advances, can be one of the most distressing and misunderstood symptoms for caregivers to manage. While these actions are typically caused by neurological changes rather than intentional misconduct, they create valid discomfort and ethical dilemmas for families and care staff. This article shares nine compassionate, expert-approved strategies for redirecting…
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