As a carer looking after a patient with dementia then you will know just how challenging it can be at times. But, you should also be incredibly proud of yourself, as you are taking on a role that requires a lot of strength and bravery to undertake. You are doing a job that many people choose not to and for this you deserve the recognition you receive for it!
And, as someone caring for a person with dementia, you will also be aware of the constantly-changing nature of the role based upon your patient’s condition. With this in mind, you might find yourself in new and difficult situations which may have seemed unlikely just one week before.
So, here we would like to give a few extra pieces of advice regarding the care of a dementia patient whose condition may be undergoing change. We’re not here to tell you how to care for your patient – only you truly know how to do this best – we’re simply providing an overview of ideas that could help minimise otherwise-risky situations should they suddenly arise under your care:
- Avoid disagreements
As an aged care community services provider caring for someone with dementia you will already know about the risks of disagreeing with your patient. This is because dementia can cause sudden mood swings that can unfortunately lead to violence (especially if the condition is rapidly deteriorating).
As such, it is important to avoid disagreements with your patient as you simply won’t find yourself in a winning situation. People living with dementia find it difficult to reason like people without the condition. Therefore, disagreeing with them carries a heightened risk of making them upset or even violent.
So, instead of disagreeing with them, the best thing you can do is make up excuses, including excuses for why they may not be able to go somewhere unreasonable like a long trip or a now-defunct social spot. You can make future plans with them – but just avoid telling them a straight-up “no”.
- Provide them with some independence
Naturally, dementia greatly varies in its stages. And, if you’re caring for a patient at a lower stage of the condition, then you can likely allow them a fair bit of independence. For example, they may not need any help dressing themselves or setting the table, in which case you can lay out their clothes on the bed or place visual cues for setting the dining table.
Naturally, the degree of independence your patient can enjoy is based upon their mental condition. Therefore, you will be able to tell where your patient can enjoy this independence or where they may need a little extra help with some of their daily tasks!
- Keep the home safe
One of the most unfortunate aspects of this condition is the way in which even the home can be unsafe for patients. For example, your new patient might have a home entrance with overgrowth that could be dangerous for them to pass. As such, you might like to speak with their loved ones about hiring a gardener to ensure a clear walkway to the front door.
Along with this, it’s important to ensure that there are no items in walkways that could present a risk of falling. Finally, hide the car keys, as people living with dementia typically don’t possess the same driving abilities as they did before they developed the condition.