Use names a lot, especially when in people’s presence.
Put fun signs on the doors of the house to identify rooms.
Put photos on cupboards of the contents inside.
Keep their routines structured.
Set certain places for things so they are easier to find.
Label items to identify them easily.
Allow them the time the need, don’t rush them & cause stress.
They are not able to change the way that they communicate, you are! Ask yourself “What can I do in order to communicate better?”
Use phrases they understand (are used to using & hearing).
Initiating an action can be hard for them, you may need to start them off.
Remember they may not understand what you mean by “turn off the light switch” or to “Be careful not to slip.”
The most common object recognition to go first is utensils. Start the action so they can continue.
Don’t do things for them they can do for themselves, ask yourself “Is this going to create a drama”? If not then let them do it.
It’s hard for people living with Dementia to make decisions so try to only offer 2 choices.
Use all senses. If verbal communication is hard, tap into other senses.
Remember when looking at symptoms that it is an illness. Ask yourself “What can I do differently?” Why are they doing certain things or behaving in certain ways. Are they anxious, needing comfort etc.
Always ask yourself in all areas of caring for someone living with dementia “Why do I need control over that?” “Does it matter?” Be reflective.
Ask yourself as a carer, What do I need right now to be emotionally happy? Try not to use negative coping strategies such as Avoidance, Emotion & Problem focused strategies.
Remember they still have a choice. You have to ask their permission, give them the choice of whether you help them or not.