Meals, personal care, rest and favorite activities can follow a recognizable pattern. Familiar routines can make it easier for the person and caregiver to know what comes next.
The National Institute on Aging recommends clear wording, one idea at a time, and enough time for a response. Caregivers should avoid arguing about a memory that the person cannot retrieve. Families can also explore Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care®️ for additional educational resources on communicating with and supporting individuals living with dementia.
Andi’s Angels’ branch manager, Lauren Gremillion, is a PAC Certified Dementia Educator who provides training to families and teaches caregivers the Positive Approach to Care method. Family guidance can help relatives understand communication changes and plan for harder parts of the day.
A caregiver can break bathing, dressing and grooming into smaller steps and offer prompts without rushing the person through the routine.
Music, photographs, sorting, folding or other familiar activities can provide ways to participate without turning the moment into a memory test.
Families should identify exits, household hazards and times when wandering or getting lost is more likely, then build supervision around those risks.
Fewer distractions, a calm tone, and a change of activity can be more useful than arguing when a person is frustrated or focused on something that cannot be resolved. Families seeking guidance on responding compassionately to dementia-related behaviors can explore educational resources and caregiver support through the Alzheimer’s Association’s North Central Texas Chapter or by contacting Lauren Gremillion at (469) 443-8435 for additional training.
Scheduled caregiver coverage can give relatives time for work, appointments, sleep or other responsibilities while the person's routine continues at home.
Tell us which parts of the day are becoming difficult, what the person still enjoys, and where the family needs more help. Call (469) 443-8435 to discuss dementia care in North Dallas.
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