Are you caring for a senior with dementia?  Sometimes the confusion can be hard to handle.  Sometimes it may feel like caring for a child, even though the person may be your parent.  Here are some guidelines for keeping the person in touch with reality and decreasing disorientation and confusion.

Give them only one instruction at a time, as not to promote confusion.
use orientation aids such as clocks, calenders, checklists, reality boards, etc..

Discuss current events

Do not reinforce hallucinations or delusions
Tell them often what time it is and what day it is.
Give information slowly and simply
Have a routine to avoid confusion
Allow time for response
Encourage verbalization and allow them to talk about past events
Praise them for appropriate behavior
Treat the person with respect, patience, and acceptance
Encourage independence
Include all caregivers in promoting reality orientation
Encourage socialization with family and friends
If needed, be sure the person has adequate glasses and/or Hearing aids

We hope this list helps you to learn the importance of Reality Orientation.  We are here to help if you have any questions about care giving and dealing with all of the ways dementia can affect the lives of us and the people we love.