Compassion can empower you while navigating this difficult role.
There is a risk to limiting this discussion to “the two most important caregiver tips,” given the . After all, caregivers span the globe and range from young children to older adults. However, these two tips enable caregivers to thrive and care with compassion for those who require even greater attention – the millions living with dementia.
As most types of dementia progress (and brain cells die), people lose their ability to meaningfully express their needs and wants due to cognitive impairment. The lack of communication makes caregiving more difficult as caregivers try to meet their loved one’s needs.
Unlike assisting people living with cancer or those recovering from a heart attack, , particularly of the Alzheimer’s or Lewy body type, face unique challenges as the disease unfolds, and are often left guessing what loved ones need while assisting with the activities of daily living, such as eating, toileting and bathing.
Meanwhile, as care recipients’ needs go unfilled, and they are unable to express themselves clearly, their frustration mounts, which can trigger angry outbursts. This can leave them feeling fearful, longing to return to a place where things are familiar, safe and secure.
For these reasons, caregivers for people with dementia are subject to growing overwhelmed, and isolated, as they try to attend to their loved one’s needs. Left unchecked, these feelings often spiral into depression.
That’s why it’s important to give caregivers tools to feel more in control of their lives. These two tips are a strong start to helping caregivers thrive.
Caregiver Tip #1
If you’ve taken on the role of caregiver, the first thing to do is . Otherwise, you’ll be driving blind.
Imagine getting in your car, turning on the ignition, closing your eyes and then driving. What do you think will happen? Before long, you’ll crash into something or someone, resulting in damage and even injuries.
The world’s roadways operate smoothly (most of the time) because drivers know what to expect and follow the rules. Likewise, caregivers who learn more about their care recipient’s disease will be more aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
They will be better at anticipating their loved one’s needs while understanding dementia-related behaviors that otherwise wouldn’t make sense. They will know which tools to draw on in different situations.
For example, witnessing a loved one conversing with a deceased family member spooks many unknowing caregivers; whereas, knowing that some people with dementia hallucinate helps caregivers divert what is unreal with a pleasant memory rather than correcting the loved one. “Dad, do you remember when Mom would spend hours in the kitchen preparing a nice picnic for us to enjoy on Sundays in the park?” Instead of “Dad, Mom died a dozen years ago.” The former approach invites shared memories of pleasant times for the person with dementia.
Resources for caregivers
Today, there are many tools to help caregivers. In-person and online support groups are a critical first line of defense. They help raise awareness while giving caregivers a place to vent and feel community. Additional tools include adult day care, in-home care, residential care, and even skilled nursing care.
Types of dementia
Researchers have made progress delineating different types of dementia. Just a decade and a half ago, nearly every dementia-related symptom was diagnosed as Alzheimer’s. Today, medical professionals are able to diagnose the cause of dementia based on nuances in symptoms.
For example, about seven years ago, U.K.-based Norman (Norrms) Mc Namara, the inspiration behind movement for dementia awareness, was diagnosed with dementia. Later, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and prescribed medication. Except the Alzheimer’s medication proved almost fatal. He received yet another comprehensive evaluation, only to learn he had Lewy body dementia, which the program director of the U.S.-based once described as a disorder that "walks like Parkinson’s and talks like Alzheimer’s.”