Dementia Care in La Grange - Dementia (Part 2 of 2)

Last month’s blog defined dementia and the symptoms that may be early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.  At the time I wrote that piece, my team, along with other ComForcare Home Care offices from throughout the country, had just attended an intensive class on dementia and advanced care strategies in Chicago. 

The class was presented by ComForcare’s dementia care expert, Deborah Bier, PhD, a Boston psychotherapist who has 25 years experience as a non-medical home care director. Dr. Bier is also certified by the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Association to train dementia caregivers and coach families on techniques and strategies for caring for loved ones with dementia.  She uses leading-edge dementia research and principles of Habilitation Therapy to train caregivers on useful methods for daily care.  Dr. Bier developed a proprietary dementia care training program for ComForcare caregivers based on her extensive knowledge of the best practices for caring for clients with dementia.

ComForcare understands that families need support in caring for a loved one with dementia and the goals of the ComForcare dementia care program include educating both employees and families.  Understanding the disease and how to deliver the most effective methods of care improves the lives of those with dementia and the entire family.

It is important to know that dementia is not just memory loss. The disease can affect any part of the brain and a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living and more. When caring for a loved one with dementia, families should recognize and focus on the person’s abilities that are still present and that are preserved the longest to help promote a greater sense of self-worth and independence. 

The three areas of ability that are present through end of life are emotions, personal preferences and the need to be in control.

People with dementia feel emotions such as joy, contentment, fear and frustration, just like anyone else. They can also accurately perceive the emotions of those around them and can read facial expressions, the tone, speed, and pitch of voices, and other body languages.  This makes it important to always try to present a positive attitude around people with dementia.  It not only makes them more comfortable, but helps make them more cooperative with caregiving tasks such as dressing and bathing.

While individuals with dementia may not be able to clearly express their preferences with language, they do demonstrate their likes and dislikes through their behavior and emotions. Respecting their personal preferences is integral to experiencing better days with loved ones. It is helpful to determine their preferences for foods, the times they eat, clothing, activities (music is an especially therapeutic activity) and more. Caregivers should always remind loved ones with dementia that their happiness is important.  

As we want to be in control of our lives and so do people with dementia. As caregivers, we need to help our loved ones feel emotionally independent by taking the time to guide their choices (e.g., give them just two items to choose from, and if you prefer they select a particular item, present that as the second choice as they often forget the first) and let them make decisions. This helps reduce difficult behaviors and increase willingness to accept care from others. 

As you can see, dementia is not just about dealing with a person’s memory loss. It is about working with the abilities that are preserved the longest through the progression of the disease. Understanding how to support these abilities by encouraging positive emotions, addressing their personal preferences and helping them feel a sense of control can help a loved one live a happier life

Bryan J. Romane - Owner

ComForcare Home Care of La Grange

Supporting Independence, Dignity and Quality of Life 

708.261.0080

http://chicagowest.comforcare.com/