How Can We Cope With A Parent Suffering From Dementia?

How does it make you feel when you hear the word dementia in the same sentence as your parents? Of course, you would say that it is quite a sad and disturbing thing for a child to know. Caring for loved ones who have dementia, such as your parents, poses a lot of difficulties for family members and caregivers alike. When Alzheimer's disease and other similar diseases progress, they result in dementia, a degenerative biological brain disorder that gradually inhibits a patient's capacity to recall information, think coherently, communicate with others, and care for oneself. Alzheimer's disease, on the other hand, has the ability to affect an individual's mood and behavioral patterns. The next part of this article offers some practical solutions for overcoming the unpleasant behavior and communication concerns that frequently develop when caring for someone with dementia. Take a read!

USEFUL STRATEGIES WHILE DEALING WITH DEMENTIA
It's difficult to witness your parents going through dementia. Their mood swings, forgetfulness, and other tantrums may make it more difficult for you to cope with them. There are, though, some strategies that can assist you in dealing with the stress and the challenge of this period wisely and effectively. Good communication skills are essential because they will improve your capacity to deal with the tough behavior you may encounter while caring for your parent who is suffering from a dementing illness. So, let me now elaborate the tips for you one by one:

• VALIDATE THEIR VERSION OF THE DETAILS

 The basic but very important thing you can do for your ailing parents is validate their feelings and the details they come up with. For instance, if they say that they have not eaten their food despite eating it a while ago, validate it like a good listener instead of forcing them to believe that they had. It is likely that in this example that they won’t be able to eat much else anyway - and if they can, great.

• MAINTAIN A NON-JUDGMENTAL DEMEANOR

Like any other mental health challenge, you need to avoid becoming judgmental about your parents or their reactions. Sometimes they would sound cold, not recognize you, hurt you or even cry for you. All of these ups and downs are part of dementia and they are helpless before them. They need unconditional support from you and you need to stop judging them for their choices and words. Be empathetic and kind so that they do not feel bad at any point in their treatment.

• SPEND MEANINGFUL TIME TOGETHER AS A FAMILY

Although this might sound clichéd but spending time together as a family has a great significance in your parents’ journey with dementia. Yes, even though they will forget about it later on but the good and healthy vibes this activity will generate matter a lot here. In the long run, this consistent practice of sitting together, holding their hands, hugging them, cuddling with them, or even reading something for them will help them feel better and calm.

• KEEP IT SIMPLE

Now, this is a game-changer! Keep things simple around your parents. What I mean is that to get the best results, ask only one question at a time. Stop posing open-ended or too many questions to your parents. "Would you like to go for a walk with me?" is a good example of asking a simple question. You can make it even better by giving them options—visual aids and cues like objects can also assist clarify your question and steer their response. Do not make your communication complicated or confusing for them. Help them be attentive with simplicity and you'll be able to keep them spirited and positive.

• HELP THEM FEEL WANTED!

When parents grow old, they somehow feel that their kids are self-sufficient and they do not need their parents anymore. With dementia, this feeling gets stronger and depression can out its clutches around your parents very soon. So, even if you don’t need their help, ask them for things intentionally. For example, you can ask your parent to hand you over a glass of water as you lie on the couch and thank them genuinely for their service. It will make them happy and feel wanted. Likewise, you can sometimes insist on talking to them about your childhood and tell them how much you love it. This will again reinforce their importance and they would feel needed by you and others.

• BE MINDFUL AND LISTEN TO THEM INTENTLY

Lend a mindful and alert ear to them. More appropriately, listen to them not just with your ears but also with your eyes and lips. What does it mean? Well, simply put, you must realize that people with dementia sometimes stutter, struggle with the right words, etc. so you must keenly observe them as they try to utter words. When they feel stuck or confused, you can assist them by uttering the right words empathetically. This will make them feel great and loved.

• SPRINKLE A BIT OF HUMOR HERE AND THERE!

Humor never goes out of style and therefore you should keep it flowing in your home. Your parents with dementia need to hear lots of good stuff enjoy hearty laughter and some jokes here and there to stay active and positively functioning. A grim, prosaic and dull environment will only make them feel unwanted, bored, and depressed. So, realize the importance of good humor and keep your home brimming with it.
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        THE BOTTOMLINE
Your parents did not invite dementia to visit and stay with them. They need you now just like you needed them in childhood. Treat them with kindness, adopt healthy coping skills, and enjoy their company while you can.