7 Things You Should Know If You Care for a Parent with Dementia

Dementia is a condition that if not checked can make an aging parent slip away quickly. The parent may claim that everything is okay, but you don’t have to believe his or her words. Taking responsibility is the first step in helping the aging parent. If a dementia diagnosis has been confirmed, you know that you have a responsibility to fulfill. Here are seven things you need to know if you are caring for an aging parent with dementia:

1. There is Reversal of Roles

When you have taken over the care of a parent with dementia, you will realize that there is reversal of roles. This can be confusing because you now become the parent and he or she becomes the child.  But despite this change in roles, most aging parents needing the help of their children still resist things and want to be independent.

2. Don’t Argue With the Parent

Diseases like Alzheimer and dementia cause the brain of older people to malfunction. They will say things which don’t make sense or aren’t clearly true and they believe in whatever they are saying since that is what their brain tells them. If you try to remind or correct them, it could lead to an argument or getting upset.

3. Too Many Medications Could Make the Parent More Confused

Doctors will prescribe medication to help relieve symptoms but taking too many can make symptoms of dementia to worsen or have new problems like agitation and disorientation. Seniors have increased risks of experiencing problems related to drug side effects and drug interactions. If a new medication seems to cause more trouble to the parent, call the doctor.

4. Don’t Force the Parent Back to Your Reality

The parent will insist that they want to do things which are not there in reality. For example, they say they want to go to work even when they retired long time ago. Just use validation therapy to respond to their demands. You can join their reality and do the activity they want but somewhere along the line, you redirect them to a different activity.  Allowing them to be in their reality and giving them the chance to express their thoughts makes them happier and calmer.

5. Share the Challenges You Face

The task of caring for aging persons with dementia is exhausting and lonely. You should talk your experiences with other people and seek help. Otherwise, you may find yourself more stressed and at risk of suffering from depression.

6. Reserve Time for Yourself

It may feel like you need to focus on the parent and be there all the time, however, that will only make you burned out. You should allocate sometime for yourself everyday like having short breaks to accomplish some of your needs. This way, you will recharge and reduce stress or any form of burnout.

7. Get Appropriate Assistive Equipment

Walkers, canes, crutches, scooters or wheelchairs can help the parent in mobility. You also need aids for toileting and bathing like toilet seat raisers and grab bars.  A geriatric chair is an important equipment you need for the parent with dementia. It allows you to transport her or him when you have to move around. A geri chair is more comfortable, safe, and adaptable and it will make your caregiving task less daunting.  

When you notice that your parent is starting to forget things often writing notes to remind herself or himself of simple tasks, you need to step in and seek a medical help for diagnosis. Understanding your role and ways to handle the needs of the parent will allow you take good care of him or her. To make life easier for you and for the parent you need to obtain the necessary assistive devices and equipment.