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Dementia Care
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a progressive disabling disease that causes the person “we know” to virtually disappear before our eyes. Love and kindness are the keys to managing the dementia Client. The experienced Caregiver understands this complicated disease process and copes with Client behavior by separating the Client from the disease.
- The right Caregiver understands that it is the disease that is causing the new behavior and not the Client.
- The right Caregiver manages the Client by always remaining objective and calmly communicating with patience, understanding, love, and kindness.
- The right Caregiver must avoid attempts at bringing the Client into reality by denying the Client’s delusions, or raising the voice and arguing with the Client. This only frustrates and confuses the Client, making the situation worse; the Client has a new reality and this must be respected.
- The right Caregiver copes by allowing the Client to freely “go in the cognitive direction he or she is headed” and may undertake subtle attempts at distraction or talking about something else.
The only way into the dementia Client’s heart and mind is through love and kindness.
A Family Member HomeCare has experienced Caregivers working with dementia Clients. Our dementia Caregivers receive specialized training in our offices by certified trainers from the Southeast Florida Alzheimer’s Association. This is the “state of the art” in dementia education with respect to communication, behavior, personal care, and activities. Training covers exercises for stimulating the brain and what kinds of activities are disease stage appropriate.
“I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your help throughout the years. The girls were very kind to my Mother and I especially value their time with her in hospice. I don’t think I could have done it without your services.”
“Norris has been a very devoted “member of our family”. He and my husband have formed and call themselves “Buddies”. Norris always sees that he is nicely dressed for all occasions. And Marie is also devoted, but of course Norris and [Client's name withheld] have much more time together and I feel more comfortable with the continuity.”
“Dear Brian, you and Carol have been at the heart of my Mother's care these last few years and I think the world of you as the saying goes, and am very grateful for your kindness.”