13 Tips About How To Talk To A Parent With Dementia

Рет қаралды 5,098

Жыл бұрын

#dementiacare #dementiacaretipsandtricks #seniorsafetyadvice
As our parents age, it's a sad fact that some will be diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. In the early stages, they may carry on conversations like normal, but in the later stages they may become more confused, making conversations more challenging for you and them. If your loved one is having trouble understanding what you are saying, these communication tips should help.
More information on how to talk to a senior loved one with dementia on our article at - seniorsafetyadvice.com/how-to...
Click the Subscribe button [above] to be notified of new Senior Safety Advice videos as they are released.
Info and resources on aging in place safely at:
seniorsafetyadvice.com
Get our latest articles and updates via email at:
seniorsafetyadvice.com/email-...
Recommended Senior Safety Products:
- Mangar lift cushion amzn.to/3hZtCfq
-IndeeLift to help someone get up from a fall: amzn.to/3Zwd3eS
- RangeSafe stove safety knobs amzn.to/3MGHucv
- Medline Bed Assist Bar amzn.to/3tamZxn
- Bathtub lift amzn.to/3hU21wd
- Amazon Echo Show amzn.to/3Cwp1L7
- Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector amzn.to/3J84H5d
- Blurams Indoor Security Camera amzn.to/3MA2lhL
- Drive Medical Kitchen Stool amzn.to/3t35BKR
- Able Life Tray Table amzn.to/3CvLdFg
- Large Print Password Keeper Book amzn.to/3vUKP1N
*****
Medical and legal disclaimer: We are not attorneys and this video should not be considered legal advice. Likewise, we are not physicians or medical professionals. Senior Safety Advice assumes no responsibility or liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of this information. Any action you take upon the information on this channel is strictly at your own risk and we will not be liable for any losses, and damages in connection with the use of our channel. The content we share on our videos are not intended to be a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of an attorney for legal concerns or your physician or other qualified health provider for help and/or with any questions you may have regarding a legal or medical condition.
Affiliate disclaimer: Any affiliate links mentioned in this video or description will allow you to find the items and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!

Пікірлер: 60

@alexandrac9536 28 күн бұрын

i feel so guilty about so much of my interactions; for one, i almost always tell my mother with AD that so and so is dead. It is hard to lie, but you are right, it only upsets them.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 28 күн бұрын

Yes it does, you are right. Well, don't think of it as lying. With anyone who has dementia or Alzheimer's it's important to enter their reality and if you are in their reality then you are not lying. But if they mention a person who has passed away then segway into a story about that person. Ask your mom about him or her. That's what she really wants. At least that has been my experience.

@nothankyou7864 2 ай бұрын

Avoiding the baby talk or talking to them like they are dumb is so huge to me!!! I had an instinct on this and feel really strongly about this. My lovely sister who loves my grandpa does this but she’s used to it because she has two young kids. But understanding this will help her help him. Thank you so much for all the information. Also the touch, also the therapeutic fibbing! There’s so much here thank you thank you thank you!!

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 2 ай бұрын

Oh you are so very welcome. I'm so glad that some of these tips were helpful for you. And yes, the "baby talk" drives me nuts. That and "How are we today?" Take care.

@DL-fi5cc 6 күн бұрын

Thank you for doing this video. You have explained everything I needed to know sooner than I did. It will make life so much easier than it has been xxx

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 5 күн бұрын

Oh, you are welcome and thank you for the comment. If you are going to be caring for someone with dementia, make sure to join a support group as soon as you can. You will learn so much from others that have and are going through it.

@LindaCreer-ll6pk Ай бұрын

Thank you for the tips very helpful

@SeniorSafetyAdvice Ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful and thanks for the comment!

@25marshalyn 10 күн бұрын

I looked after a friend's mother who has dementia and she doesn't even know when she needs to releive herself, or when she's thirsty or hungry. She's like a baby who never learns. All these were shockers for me!

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 10 күн бұрын

Yes, it's a regression for some older adults. If you haven't seen it before it can be shocking and difficult to accept. I worked with so many older adults with cognitive decline - I feel like I've seen all stages and all mannerisms emerge from these diseases. Your friend is lucky to have you.

@ChrisM-cm6bv 8 ай бұрын

I like the tips about limiting choices to simplify decision making . Thx

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much. So glad it was helpful!

Ай бұрын

Thank You for these wonderful tips that you have given us. It was really helpful to All healthcare workers and the family members.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice Ай бұрын

Oh thank you!! I'm so glad they were helpful for you.

@vothuongkhovonga Ай бұрын

Your talk share is so informative, so helpful and you taught me how patience and love should be toward dementia patient. Thank you so much ❤

@SeniorSafetyAdvice Ай бұрын

Oh thank you! I spent so many years working with older adults with all forms of dementia and Alzheimer's. I really learned a lot and I'm so happy to share what I learned! So glad it was helpful for you.

@doandavis7701 9 ай бұрын

So good. Your help is needed.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 9 ай бұрын

Oh thank you! I'm so glad you found it helpful.

@ctsuhako1 Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@SeniorSafetyAdvice Жыл бұрын

You're welcome! And of course, thank you for your comment. I hope the information is helpful.

@annalynsantos7878 4 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 4 ай бұрын

You’re welcome 😊 I do hope it helps!

@BC-cd3pz 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the helpful information.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 4 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@spencerwallace1367 2 ай бұрын

Excellent video, thank you 💚

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 2 ай бұрын

You are so welcome! Thanks for the comment and the kudos.

@michaelanowell551 9 ай бұрын

This is excellent thank you! We’ll done and helpful ❤

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 9 ай бұрын

Oh thank you so much! I truly appreciate the comment.

@pamhall2003 5 ай бұрын

Thank you so very much for all of this information. I learned alot.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 5 ай бұрын

So glad it was helpful! If you have any thoughts on other videos we can create let us know!

@armiebarr725 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the information, God 🙌

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 5 ай бұрын

You are so welcome

@user-zn8mh3hz8h 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for your information God bless you

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 2 ай бұрын

Oh thank you for your comment. I hope the information was helpful. Take care.

@yanigeluz6855 9 ай бұрын

Thank you..very simple explanation..very helpful.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 9 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@donnabanks7656 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! 😊

@SeniorSafetyAdvice Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome! Thank you for your comment too and I do hope that the information in the video helps you and your loved one.

@donnabanks7656 Жыл бұрын

@@SeniorSafetyAdvice Yes, it helps me more than you know. I am still learning.

@ramo_141 Ай бұрын

Thank you. I am so scared

@SeniorSafetyAdvice Ай бұрын

Scared of having dementia or scared of living and helping a loved one with dementia? Either way - please look for a support group to help you and of course, speak with your doctor.

@ramo_141 Ай бұрын

@@SeniorSafetyAdvice scared for my parent. I think there are early symptoms with paranoia. Your video was really helpful. I will look for support

@SeniorSafetyAdvice Ай бұрын

I get it. It's so hard to see your parent dealing with any illness and dementia is just a very difficult one. I do think, to some degree, it's worse on the family than it is on them. But yes, seeing how others are dealing with it (and there are many) can really help you and your parent. Take care of yourself and all the best for your family.

@Dream-bebe 2 ай бұрын

😊❤

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 2 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@mommiegifts09 Ай бұрын

My grandpa has it really bad and it’s draining my grandma she’s embarrassed and prideful and don’t want anyone’s help what can I do? I gave up everything to come back to help. Can anyone give me advise please😢😢

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 29 күн бұрын

Oh I am so sorry. The best thing I can recommend is to find a support group for dementia caregivers. You can get a lot of great insight and advice on what to do and how to help. If you can get your grandmother to go with you that would be even better. I would also recommend that, if possible, to get someone to come in maybe once a week or so and give you and your grandmother some time to go out and have lunch or anything just to step away from the stress for a little bit of time. It's so important for caregivers of anyone with dementia to take care of themselves and getting away from the situation, even if it's just a couple of hours every now and then can really help.

@adonyisrael1724 6 ай бұрын

This video tips are really good, I knew a few of them already from a dementia caregiver support group I joined in FB. My mom is a little past the initial stage so she’s still aware of who we are & she still knows what she’s doing & saying but she forgets some of these things. One thing that bothers me is she accuses me of CONTROLLING her, but she doesn’t realize I’m taking care of her, so I struggle with making some decisions for her. Any tips on how not to have this guilt feelings? 😒

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 6 ай бұрын

Oh, thank you for the kudos, I'm glad the video was helpful. And I am so very glad that you are in a support group. They can be so wonderful. Sorry about your mom and she's very lucky to have you to help her. I worked with geriatrics as an Occupational Therapist for many, many years and I specialized in brain injuries. So, this included brain traumas like from an accident, dementia, Alzheimer's, etc. I know what you are talking about and it's certainly not uncommon, but it will get better as her disease progresses only because it will be easier to redirect her. From my experience and knowledge base, I can say that caregiver guilt is a very real thing and something that is difficult to get over. It's obviously your issue, not hers so it's something for you to work on. I'm sure it affects other areas of your life as well. But for this particular instance, I would always recommend to view the person (your mom) as head injured. This means to realize that what she is saying to you may be what she is thinking, but it's not true. Her perception of reality is skewed and you have to realize that you can't change it. Honestly, it will continue to get more and more skewed. I've seen parents with dementia hit and spit on their adult children as they were trying to help their parent. It's such a difficult situation. Of course, you see your mother as your mother. She's still there, in front of you. But it's just her body and only parts of her mind. Eventually, it will just be her body and the person you once knew will no longer be there. When she does make mention of you controlling her try to let those words go in one ear and out the other and realize she is just scared and trying desperately to hold on. It can help to redirect her to another topic, a task, ask her help to do something that you know she can do. It can help to make her feel useful and needed. That may calm her down. It's a horrible disease, not only for your mother but for the whole family as well. I'm very sorry you are all going through this. But, I say just make each moment the best that you can and appreciate what your mother can give you and don't blame her (or the disease) for what she can't give you any more. I hope this was helpful. Let me know how it goes.

@adonyisrael1724 6 ай бұрын

@@SeniorSafetyAdvice Good morning! Thank you so much for all your comforting & encouraging words! I so appreciate your time! I began trying a few of your tips this morning and it helped so much! Speaking gently, not giving too many choices, looking directly into her eyes, keeping everything SIMPLE! I feel so much better thinking that I am GUIDING her instead of CONTROLLING her! I will keep you posted! 💕🙏💕

@Dream-bebe 2 ай бұрын

1. Early stage. 2. Middle Stage. 3. Late stage. 4. Final stage.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 2 ай бұрын

Yes, one thing for sure is that how to communicate with someone with dementia depends on the stage they are in and even then, it can fluctuate throughout the day. For sure, it takes patience to be a caregiver for someone with this terrible disease.

@TOMCAT631 23 сағат бұрын

Time management is the big obstacle. Something that I would anticipate takes no more than an hour, turns into 3 hours because of whatever they got into. Next thing I know my to do list and the wife's list is way over due. I then get that overwhelming feeling of how did I get so far behind? Only to wake up and experience the same process over and over again. Don't care if you got ur oxygen mask on or off. Just clean up this mess now caregiver before it gets even worst. No rescue helicopter available.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 23 сағат бұрын

Yeah, well - it's true that there is no such thing as a "to do list" when you are caring for someone with dementia. Very much like not being able to stick to a to do list when you are caring for a small child. The trick is to learn to let go of that control otherwise it does, as you say, become overwhelming. There is always the option (if possible) to get some respite help or placement in a memory unit. I know that it's a very difficult decision and emotionally charged but sometimes that's the best option for everyone. Take care.

@pauljakepaul1985 Ай бұрын

Can they be dangerous

@SeniorSafetyAdvice Ай бұрын

Do you mean can someone with dementia be dangerous? The answer is yes, someone with dementia can indeed be dangerous, both to themselves and to others. Dementia affects cognitive functions, leading to various behaviors that can pose significant risks. They can wander and perform unsafe tasks which can be a danger to themselves. They might accidentally ingest toxic substances like cleaning fluids or overdose on medications due to memory loss. Dementia can trigger violent mood swings and outbursts. Patients may become physically aggressive, hitting or pushing caregivers and loved ones. Dementia can cause individuals to become suspicious or paranoid, sometimes leading to violent actions to "protect" themselves from perceived threats. Remember, dementia affects the brain. As such, behaviors change. If someone you know has dementia and is demonstrating dangerous behaviors, please seek the help of your physician / neurologist.

@waynedavies3714 2 ай бұрын

My mother has dimencia and I naturally seem to do some things you say but I don't want to confirm her delusions so I just say I don't know about that and try to change the subject.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 2 ай бұрын

Well, one of the best tactics when communicating with someone with dementia is redirection so you are doing the right thing.

@janiegrate2158 8 күн бұрын

I refuse to do "therapeutic lies to anyone my love for GOD means 2 much too me to not tell the truth.

@SeniorSafetyAdvice 7 күн бұрын

Well, let's look at a situation that is fairly common. Woman with Dementia: "I need to get my purse because my mother is waiting for me to take her to the grocery store." Her mother has been dead for over 20 years. Caregiver: "No, you don't need your purse, your mother has been dead for 20 years." Woman with Dementia: "Oh no, she's not dead. You are wrong. How can you say that?" Now, the woman with dementia is upset, crying perhaps in a state of a bit of trauma finding out that her mother is dead. She won't remember this conversation, she will just be traumatized by it for the moment and it can also be emotionally traumatizing for the caregiver as well. Now, if you applied therapeutic fibbing and instead of following the conversation above, it could go as follows. Woman with Dementia: "I need to get my purse because my mother is waiting for me to take her to the grocery store." Caregiver: "Oh, I think we have some time to do that, your mother actually called and said she would be late. So why don't we go for a walk in the meantime?" Woman with Dementia: "Oh, that sounds fine, let's do that." By re-directing the person with dementia they can now continue with their day in a more pleasant manner without any screaming or crying, etc. I do think that God would greatly approve of the empathy and kindness that you would be giving to that person suffering from dementia.