How to Reduce Anxiety for those with Dementia
It’s often easy to accidentally put someone who is suffering from dementia into a state of anxiety. Dementia can be caused by a number of things including neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, blood flow-related (vascular) disorders such as multi-infarct disease, inherited disorders such as Huntington’s disease, and infections such as HIV. Whatever the cause, their memory loss, attention loss, or disorientation can make the individual more susceptible bouts of anxiety. A caregiver who is conscious of potentially stressful situations can make those situations less likely to cause anxiety.
Caregiver
First, as a caregiver, you must be cognizant of your own physical and mental health, and realize that for you to effectively perform your role in reducing anxiety in someone who have dementia, your emotional house must be in order. That means getting rest, nutrition, exercise and time away will keep you prepared to attend to another’s needs.
As for those suffering from dementia, don’t get caught up in whether something, makes sense or not. A person with dementia may not be able to piece everything together, but their emotions are still valid. Their anxiety can be heightened when they aren’t being understood. Accept that their emotions have more validity than the logic that leads to them.
At Home
For those who are caring for someone with dementia at home, consider some of these tips:
- Use memory aids – They reduce stress and can help someone with dementia remain independent longer.
- Provide structure – A stable home environment with clear routines can help.
- Establish a nighttime ritual – Symptoms can often be worse in the evening. Try to provide a ritual in a serene environment that is away from noises and distractions.
- Enhance communication – Use simple sentences and speak slowly.
- Create a safe environment – Minimize clutter and keep the furniture consistently in the same place.
- Encourage exercise – Among other things, it can help with mood and attitude.
Visiting
If the dementia sufferer is receiving continuous care, consider these tips from Toronto Long-Term Care Homes and Services:
- Visit when you want to visit, not when you think you should visit.
- Find out the best time to visit with your loved one. Generally, people with dementia tend to be more alert during the late mornings and early afternoons.
- Watch for fatigue.
- Enjoy the silence.
- Live “in the moment.”
- Try “tidying the house.” Meaningful and familiar activities, such as folding clothes, make people feel useful.
- Be flexible. If your family member begins to wander, walk with them.
- Use distraction. If your family member gets upset, bring attention to something else.
- Give one instruction at a time and use physical cues.
- Most of all have fun!
There are more tips in, “When you come to visit…Tips on making your visits more meaningful” (PDF)
Interacting
For many caregiving tasks, Clinical Tools recommends using the following approach will help your loved ones better understand what is going on and reduce anxiety, especially in middle to late stages of dementia.
- Approach from the front: This will help loved ones with dementia be aware that you are coming. Approaching from the back can produce anxiety.
- Walk slowly: Allow time for loved ones with dementia to take in that you are approaching.
- Stand to their sides: This is a supportive stance, whereas standing right in front of them may feel confrontational.
- Call them by name: Use their names just to get their attention. As dementia progresses they may respond best to their first names, because they often remember them the best.
- Crouch low: Crouching down if they are seated or lying down helps them feel less threatened.
- Offer your hand: Their responses to this gesture will give you an idea of whether they would welcome further touch such as hugs.
They have a video on their site that demonstrates this approach.
There’s evidence that music and aromatherapy may reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Finally, don’t do it without help. All people change, especially those with dementia. Consulting experts regularly will help you understand your situation and better prepare you to help someone with dementia.
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