Looking after a loved one with dementia is a journey filled with emotional highs and lows. Love, frustration, small triumphs, and inevitable heartbreak; it’s not a role anyone actively signs up for, but when faced with the reality, families step up, often without a road map. Whether your relative is in the early stages of forgetfulness or further along the path, practical strategies can make daily life smoother for everyone involved.
Keeping Communication Clear and Kind
Dementia affects the way people process language; a once was simple conversation can quickly become confusing and difficult to follow. Though it may seem instinctive to correct or challenge your loved one’s memories, gently go along with them where you can. Short, simple sentences work best. A calm tone, even when you feel the worst of frustration, can ease moments of confusion or distress. If they struggle to find the right words, offer reassuring prompts instead of finishing their sentences for them. It’s not about winning an argument; it’s about keeping the peace.
Routines Are a Lifeline
Change can be overwhelming for someone with dementia, so structure and familiarity are your allies. Meals, medication, and daily activities at the same time each day can help provide a sense of stability. Aim to keep their environment as predictable as possible; whilst moving furniture around or introducing new gadgets can come from a place of care and safety, it is more likely to be disorienting. If bathing or getting dressed becomes a battle, try to keep the sequence of events the same so they feel secure.
The Practical Side of Compassion
It’s easy to slip into the mentality of ‘you must do everything yourself’, but that’s the fastest route to burnout. Family carers often neglect their own health and wellbeing, which serves no one in the long run. If friends and extended family offer help, saying yes can be a vital lifeline. Whether it’s sitting with your loved one while you have a cup of tea in peace or picking up some shopping, accepting these small gestures of help could prevent burnout and ease growing tension or stress.
Professional in-home care can also be a game-changer. Carers specifically trained in dementia support can provide companionship, personal care, and respite for family members. Many people feel hesitant about introducing external carers, fearing it might disrupt routines or cause distress, but the right support can bring relief, strengthen routine, and provide a much-needed break.
Moments of Joy Still Exist
This is so important to remember. Despite the difficulties, it’s still possible to find light in the darkest moments. There are several tools you can use to unearth the best of your loved ones even during the struggles dementia brings. Music is often a powerful tool and songs from their younger years can unlock memories when words and sentences fail. A familiar scent, a favourite old film, or looking through photo albums together can bring a moment of connection. While dementia changes a person, it doesn’t erase them.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is an act of immense devotion, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your own wellbeing. Accepting help may seem hard but whether from family, friends, or professional carers it doesn’t mean you’re stepping away from responsibility; it means you’re ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care while looking after yourself too.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your family, get in touch for a personalised consultation. Together, we can create a brighter future for those with dementia and those providing care.
