As dementia progresses, it’s not unusual for seniors to exhibit unwanted behaviors. They may compulsively repeat words or phrases or become agitated, belligerent, or aggressive. However, there are a number of techniques you can use to distract your older loved one to change his or her behavior.
1. Engage in an Activity
Sometimes seniors with dementia act out secondary to being hungry or thirsty. They might need to use the bathroom, or they may be experiencing physical discomfort. The neuron damage that causes dementia prevents seniors from being able to express their needs. However, if there doesn’t seem to be a physical cause, your parent might be experiencing sundowning or simple boredom.
Invite your loved one to go for a walk around the block, go outside and look at the flowers, pull some weeds in the garden, or listen to the birds. Engaging in an activity short-circuits the thought processes and prevents your loved one from remembering what caused the upset.
Symptoms such as agitation, confusion, anger, and frustration are common in elderly people with dementia. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Kennebunk families can rely on Align Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
2. Enlist Your Loved One’s Assistance
Regardless of the fact that your loved one has dementia, he or she continues to want to feel useful. When your parent begins acting out, simply ask for help with a basic chore. Perhaps have your loved one help with folding laundry, or he or she might enjoy preparing a meal or doing the dishes. Ask your loved one to dust, sweep, or vacuum the floor. Seniors with dementia are typically willing to comply with such requests as long as the tasks aren’t too complicated.
3. Play Favorite Music
Music has been shown to calm seniors with dementia. Use trial and error to determine if a favorite music genre soothes your loved one’s restless spirit. Your loved one might respond to classical music, modern ballads, or country songs. If your parent prefers one or more favorite songs, encourage singing along with the tunes.
The cognitive challenges that accompany dementia often leave aging adults unable to manage everyday tasks, which puts their safety and health at risk. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Align Home Care, a leading provider of homecare services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
4. Reminisce
There are many different ways to initiate a reminiscing session. Walk into a different room and turn on your loved one’s favorite music. Ask if your parent remembers hearing the songs for the first time. Bring out a photo album and ask your parent to identify someone you might not recognize. Begin a conversation about the locations in certain photographs. Perhaps discuss the types of clothing worn back in the day.
5. Use Humor
Humor is known to trigger the release of feel-good hormones and cause total body relaxation. Redirect your loved one to a different room and watch a humorous video together. There are many online videos featuring animal antics and funny clips that may prove entertaining. Perhaps ask your loved one to sit and watch a comedy show or romantic comedy. Use the opportunity to discuss a funny family story.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Kennebunk in-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Align Home Care of Kennebunk is here to help. Call one of our Care Managers at (207) 606-8419 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.