Dementia does not only have an impact on the memories and thought processing of a patient. It can also result in changes to the person’s behavior. Anyone who has not seen his or her loved one act in a different way can be surprised by the behavioral and personality changes that might occur when dementia is present.
If you are currently providing Alzheimer’s and memory care to your family members with dementia, along with a care team, here are a number of pointers to keep in mind.
- Always talk to their doctors first.
Doctors know the medical side of things. They know your loved ones’ condition and will most likely know how to help you in handling their difficult behaviors.
Such behaviors may be caused by pain or other symptoms. In this case, the doctors may prescribe certain medications that can help alleviate these symptoms.
- Don’t take things personally.
If you have just visited your family members with dementia residing in an assisted living facility in San Diego, California and have received certain remarks from them, don’t take them personally. Most of the time, dementia patients say things that they don’t really mean or are products of what their perceived reality is.
- Be patient.
Human as we are, we can only take so much. But, this is where the challenge gets tougher. You have to be patient with your loved ones who are struggling with this condition. Try to always put yourself in their shoes.
- Know the reason behind the behavior.
It can be hard for dementia patients to be articulate of their needs clearly. Your loved ones may be acting up because their need has not been met. For this matter, you should find out the reason that lies behind their difficult behaviors. Address them immediately.
- Accept the situation.
Dementia alters a person’s perception of reality. If you try to challenge and change your loved ones’ behavior, they will most likely resist you. The outcome may not be successful. Accept this change. Use your creativity to still help your loved ones, though.
- Get professional support.
Discuss with a professional about the best care for your loved ones with dementia. One option is to move them to a dementia care facility in San Diego if necessary. In this facility, they can receive care from professionals with experience in handling residents with such condition.
Acorn Oaks Manor is committed to creating a nurturing and safe environment for family members with dementia. Give us a call today so we can further discuss with you how your loved ones can receive our care.