7 Tips to Engage Better with Dementia Patients

1. 7 Tips to Engage Better with Dementia Patients Dementia, caused by Alzhiermer’s and other similar neurological conditions tend to degrade the brain, making the patients vulnerable, difficult, and conflicting. Nurses from home care services, who are most in demand for caring dementia patients, note that it requires more than medical aid to help such patients. The gradual degradation of the brain makes the patients forgetful, unaware, and alarming. Dementia is difficult on both - the patients and their loved ones. Experts from elderly home care services share 7 tips that help in engaging better with dementia patients. 1. Positive Environment Dementia patients lose sense of time and space, making them either extremely afraid or violent. It is essential to create a positive environment that doesn’t threaten them in any way. From keeping their rooms clutter-free, allowing sunlight into the room, and treating them with respect, social cues help in getting closer with them. 2. Establish Identity Patients with dementia tend to forget their own identity. It is imperative for the caregivers to constantly remind them of themselves and encourage them to explore memories. From addressing them by their names to discussing their personal milestones, caregivers take multiple roads in connecting with them.

2. 3. Games Dementia patients are similar to children; They are easily enthralled by simple games. Doctors recommend playing board games with dementia patients to improve their concentration and acumen. Games such as Carrom, Uno, Chess, Ludo help the patients to channel their focus on one activity. 4. Create a Schedule Creating a schedule is one of the best ways to ensure that dementia patients are anchored to reality. Enforcing a structured schedule helps them to be on the track. Caregivers generally lay out the day’s plan with their patients giving them an insight into what will be their course. 5. Make Use of Lucid Period Lucid periods are when the patients have a complete understanding of the reality. It is important to make use of their lucidity by bonding with them. Most patients would be unaware of their condition while remembering other personal details. Although this period is usually short and fleeting, it helps the patient’s loved ones in stealing those rare hours. Dementia is as difficult as it is heartbreaking. With proper care, guidance, and medical help, patients can be navigated through this difficult stage. IHHC understands the requirements of dementia patients and offers an array of home care nursing services.