Do’s and Don’ts for people dealing with Someone with Dementia

Care-giving is the toughest job out there probably and all caregivers deserve extra credit for dealing with the well-being of another person.  Parents don’t really get a choice, but caregivers made the choice to step up and take responsibility for a family member, or went to school to specifically take care of people.  Since it is a job that is ever changing and sometimes puts a strain  on emotions, here are even more tips, tricks and ideas for the person taking care of or is responsible for someone with dementia.  Hug your nearest caregiver!

Do’s

• Agree

• Accept Blame -Beg forgiveness

• Offer to address the problem

• Use distraction

• Reassure

• Leave Room

Don’ts

• Reason

• Argue

• Confront

• Remind them they forget

• Questioning recent memory

• Take it personally

Tips:

• Every behavior has a purpose

• Replace a behavior with a behavior

• Beg forgiveness rather than ask for permission

• Let it go (pick your battles)

• Alter the situation to make it more acceptable

• think outside the box

• Keep it slow and simple (K.I.S.S.)

• Re-frame and redirect