Why Reassurance Is Important in Dementia Care

Dementia can leave seniors feeling anxious, frustrated, and frightened, and it’s often the role of their caregivers to help them stay calm. However, this is easier said than done. Providing effective reassurance can help seniors manage the symptoms of dementia. Here are a few reasons reassurance is important in dementia care. 

Create an Appealing Environment 

Seniors with dementia often experience agitation when their environments change or aren’t meeting their needs. Creating stable, pleasant surroundings can be an effective form of reassurance. If your loved one has any known stressors, such as particular colors, scents, or objects, try to keep them out of his or her daily environment. If he or she has a favorite object, such as a blanket or photograph, make it easily accessible. By surrounding seniors with things that are familiar and beloved, caregivers can prevent agitation before it begins. Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

Remind Your Loved One of Your Presence

Dementia can make it difficult for seniors to understand the world, which can make them anxious. When seniors become anxious, it can be reassuring to know familiar people are there to help them. Use soothing words and phrases like “I’m here to help you” and “You’re always safe with me.” If specific phrases work better than others, take note and remember them for future situations. 

Calm Agitation 

When seniors with dementia become agitated, it can be difficult to reason with them. Instead of providing logical reasons your loved one shouldn’t feel anxious, give him or her something else to think about. If your loved one has a favorite pastime, whether it’s watching a specific movie or listening to a beloved song, use it to engage him or her. A carefully chosen distraction is a great way to reassure a senior.  Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Winnipeg families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. 

Prevent Anxiety 

Anxiety in seniors with dementia is often caused by too much stimulation. When there’s too much noise or too many things to look at, seniors may start to feel overstimulated, which can lead to a cycle of anxious questioning. Try not to add to the environmental stressors. A quiet, soothing tone of voice is a must, especially if your loved one is having difficulty processing his or her surroundings. Never yell or argue, as it will only exacerbate the situation. Quick or sudden movements should also be avoided when possible. Instead, try to provide your loved one with kind words, caring movements, and pleasant interactions. 

Avoid the Blame Game 

When seniors with dementia become incapable of performing simple tasks, such as turning on the TV or buttoning a jacket, they often respond with negativity. An older adult with dementia may say the TV is broken or blame his or her caregiver for choosing the wrong jacket. When you’re blamed, don’t respond to these accusations. They’re coming from a place of agitation and distress rather than one of bitterness. When trying to prevent situations that lead to distress, it’s important to give your loved one the option to do things independently. The best way to respond during these moments is with reassuring actions. Merely provide the help your loved one needs and move on from the situation. Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to reassure your loved one that he or she will receive continuous help and support. Families looking for top-rated Winnipeg senior care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your parent, give us a call at (204) 489-6000 today.