Care of the elderly with dementia. Communication and leisure

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ...

• Choosing simple words, a calm tone of voice, looking her in the eye and calling her by her name will facilitate communication with a person with dementia.
• We must avoid talking to them as if they were small children or were not present.
• Involving them in some activity at home or in the family can be positive as long as you do not demand too much of them and are aware of them.

Next, we offer a series of tips to try to face the care of a person with peace of mind.

Communication Trying to communicate with a person who has Alzheimer's disease can be difficult. Understanding and being understood can be difficult, so it can be helpful to keep these tips in mind:

• It is about choosing simple, habitual words, with short sentences; use a gentle and calm tone of voice, without raising their voices (they are not deaf, they have only forgotten the meaning of the sentences).
• Avoid speaking to the person with dementia as if they were a small child, or speaking as if they were not present. This maintains the dignity of the individual.
• Reduce distractions and noise, such as television or radio, to help the person focus on what we are saying.
• Look the person in the eye and call them by name, ensuring that they have our attention before speaking to them. It is useful to look at it from the same height.
• Remind the person who we are, if they don't seem to recognize us; Do not insist that you make an effort to remember, as it can cause anxiety.
• Don't argue if the person is confused; distract her with a different topic.
• Do not be offended if the person does not recognize us, behaves abruptly or responds with anger. The person is reacting like this because he is confused and does not remember.
• Give them enough time to respond, patiently. It is important not to interrupt, without giving the opportunity to thread the thoughts.
• Try to present the questions and instructions in a positive way. It is better to say "stay in the chair" than "do not move from the chair."
• It is helpful to observe facial expressions and facial expressions to assess restlessness, anxiety, or fear.

Leisure and time occupation Finding activities that sufferers can do and are interested in can be challenging. Using the skills the person currently possesses generally works better than trying to teach him something new.

• Don't expect too much from the person. Simple, short activities are often best, especially when using the skills the person currently possesses.
• Help the person start a single activity. Divide this into small steps, and approach each one as isolated activities will be easier.
• Watch for signs of agitation or frustration in the course of the activity and gently assist or distract you by turning your attention to something different. It is better not to insist on the activity at such times.
• Incorporate the activities that the person seems to enjoy into your daily routine and try to do the activities at a similar time each day. Remember that routine gives security.
• Try to include the person with Alzheimer's in the usual activities of the home. For example, encouraging her to set the table, move the chairs away, or fold small pieces of clothing. This can help maintain functional skills, enhance a sense of personal control, and make efficient use of available time; It is also important that they feel useful, especially in the early stages of the disease.

In the later stages of the disease, it can be interesting to have the help and support of day centers, which provide various activities for the person with Alzheimer's disease, while at the same time offering caregivers the opportunity to get a break