Caregiver Tips

Some tips offered by caregivers:

• Discuss important decisions early in the diagnosis of dementia.
• Include family in planning discussions, when appropriate.
• Short-term memories are usually lost first, so have conversations about things in the past they can remember.
• Music from the past can bring back memories, and can be calming.
• When playing games, allow your loved one the time they need to play.  If the game becomes frustrating, change to a different activity.
• Keep instructions simple.  Few words are sometimes best. Don’t add too many steps to instructions.  Speak slowly and clearly.
• Don’t assume that if you are asked for advice that your loved one cannot make a decision.  Even people without dementia ask for advice and like to talk things out with family and friends.
• As memory gets worse, don’t argue about things they can’t remember—they aren’t forgetting on purpose.
• Don’t repeatedly ask if they know someone—that can lead to frustration.  They may know someone without remembering their name.
• Maintain a daily routine.  Change can be frustrating.  Let your loved one do what they can for themselves as long as they are safe.
• If drinking with a cup is hard, use a straw so they can suck the liquid.  If using a spoon or fork is too hard to use, let them use their hands.
• Anger can be a sign of frustration or pain.  Try to recognize pain early and act appropriately.

 You can search for more tips on the Internet by searching “tips for working with dementia care.”