Dementia – our tips for carers

Caring for someone with dementia can be a highly emotional, and stressful time.

Elizabeth Baxter, VMCH Dementia Services Specialist has put together some hints and tips for carers of a person living with dementia

Tips for for carers of a person living with dementia:

• ‘Change the goalposts’

• Use technology-based support

• Get creative

• Validate the person’s anxiety

• Be mindful of your own stress

• Home-based activities

This is in terms of expectations of yourself and your daily life. It is normal to be feeling additional stress, anxiety and concerns. It is important to reset your own expectations of your ability in your caring role.

Instead of cooking elaborate meals, aim for simple and nutritious meal ideas. If you lose your temper, allow yourself some kindness in recognising your feelings of stress or overwhelm. Also, try to take some time away for yourself whenever you have the opportunity to.Technology is a great way to maintain involvement in meaningful activities. There are so many innovative and wonderful apps available, including ‘A Better Visit’ which has been developed by Dementia Australia (only on Apple devices only).

Ensure you utilise various video chat programs such as Skype/WhatsApp/Messenger to connect with family and friends, especially with those you may usually see regularly.

YouTube and Spotify can also offer lots of opportunities for musical engagement and reminiscing – simply type in a favourite song and you can sing and dance along.

There are also online support groups, which can provide some guidance, ideas and a listening ear.

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[addthis tool="addthis_inline_share_toolbox_mj8j"]Try using some creative activities to maintain connection and interest with your loved ones. Walks, singing songs, painting, gardening, games, dancing and sensory activities are a great place to start. Also, keep an eye out on social media, there are often some very innovative ideas that are being thought of every day.Provide reassurance. The closest family member is often a person of safety, reassurance and familiarity for the person with a diagnosis, so please be mindful to use extra patience in relieving anxieties. Try to use distraction or redirection if feelings of heightened stress arise from media coverage or a lack of routine. Games, internet-based activities or going for a walk are good ways to break the cycle if persistent thoughts are hard to disconnect from.Your stress levels and wellbeing are also important. Your energy is felt by those around you and it’s important to look after your own mental health.Reminiscence activities:

• Look through family photos
• Talk about events or holidays
• Use the internet to look up destinations visited to relive positive experiences.

Musical activities:

• Put on music to sing or dance to
• Use music that evokes positive responses and can stimulate specific feelings (i.e. calming music for relaxation, upbeat music for movement and dancing)
• Choose themed songs for promoting conversation.

Physical activities:

• Going for walks
• Dancing

Engagement activities:

• Cooking or manageable tasks related to cooking
• ‘Sorting’ of matched coloured items (e.g. pegs, clothing)
• Household tasks (e.g. folding washing, organising drawers, sweeping or raking leaves, watering plants) Skype with family or friends
• Plan future holidays or activities
• Online social groups
• Painting.

Sensory:

• Gardening
• Touching tools
• Feeling fabric, rubbing different items between hands/ fingers i.e. wool
• Cooking
• Smelling flowers or spices.