Why Reassurance is Important in Dementia Care

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When seniors develop dementia, they look to their family caregivers for more assistance and reassurance. The process of reassurance can help seniors with dementia enhance their overall quality of life. Here’s a closer look at the role reassurance plays in dementia care. 

Eases Hallucinations 

Many seniors with dementia experience hallucinations, which can make it difficult to complete daily tasks. For example, when it comes to bathing, your senior loved one may become irritated and refuse to bathe out of fear of “seeing” a stranger in the bathroom. 

Although you can make sure there’s adequate lighting to prevent a glare in the mirror, being reassuring is one of the best ways to help your loved one in this situation. Explain to your loved one that no one is in the room and that you’re there to protect him or her. Refrain from being judgmental. Being reassuring can ease the fear and confusion your loved one experiences due to the hallucinations.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare Montgomery, AL, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Boosts Self-Esteem 

A loss of confidence is something many seniors with dementia experience. They begin to feel useless and undervalued because of their inability to complete daily tasks without assistance, which can lead to anxiety and depression. 

Reassure your loved one that he or she is needed. Ask for help after you’ve customized a task and made it easier to complete. When your loved one accomplishes something, make sure to praise him or her and celebrate the success. Let your loved one know you’re glad to have him or her around to complete the tasks. This level of reassurance could boost your loved one’s confidence and self-esteem.

Calms the Atmosphere

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming and frustrating, but you should never display these emotions in your loved one’s presence. Doing so could cause your loved one to become frustrated, agitated, confused, and even violent. 

Instead, think about how you would feel in your loved one’s situation and offer reassurance. Make sure your voice is soothing, and refrain from yelling or using negative tones. Give your loved one a hug or hold his or her hand when things get chaotic. Reassuring your loved one that everything will be fine may calm him or her down and minimize the negative behavioral changes he or she experiences.

At times, it’s a good idea to take a break from your caregiving duties so you can relax, let go of negative emotions, and create a calm atmosphere at home. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide at-home care. Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.

Enhances Social Connections 

Isolation and loneliness can be serious issues for seniors, especially those who are living with dementia. Seniors who don’t have meaningful relationships may become lonely and depressed. However, family caregivers can provide their loved ones with the companionship they need. Reassurance is also necessary when encouraging seniors with dementia to continue with social activities. 

Family caregivers need to remind their loved ones that they’re there to have fun and not to be judged based on their talent. Sometimes, a smile, hand clap, or hug may have a bigger impact than words. When you offer reassurance through expressions and gestures, your loved one may gain the will to continue socializing instead of quitting and becoming isolated. 

Dementia is a serious health concern that can impact a senior’s independence and overall quality of life. Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Montgomery seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance. We will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988 to learn more about our customized care plans.

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