Common symptoms of dementia
Lack of motivation
Persons with dementia may seem to have lost their motivation and initiative from the very beginning. Every person with dementia uses a great deal of energy to understand his or her surroundings. Some may adapt to the situation and find different methods to keep up with a particular activity or pastime. Others seem to detach themselves from everything that is going on around them.
Perhaps the repeated difficulty of carrying out a task may also be a painful reminder of the progression of the disease. Caregivers may find it difficult to deal with apathy, particularly if the person with dementia has always been an active person. As the disease progresses in a person with dementia, many of them gradually lose their individuality. Supportive care should focus on their identity, interest, comfort, previous attachment and occupation.
Care tips
Caregivers should encourage the person with dementia to remain active if possible. Complementing the person with dementia from time to time, on what they have achieved will also encourage them.
- Introduce activities that can be enjoyed comfortably
Incorporate simple activities to everyday living. At first, they may be quite reluctant to take part in new activities. However, with repeated invitations, it will gradually become easier for them to participate.
- Enhancing activity
- Share and remember sweet memories from the past
- Encourage social interactions with family and friends that are likely to be meaningful to the person with dementia.
- Listening to music, especially their favourite songs can soothe and elevate their mood
- Personal care
Try your best to encourage them to perform daily routine, such as washing, brushing teeth, eating, toileting and bathing by themselves and only assisting them only when needed. Maintain good eye contact and ensure to maintain their dignity when helping with their personal care.
- Grooming
Encourage them to use their favourite toiletries. Do prepare makeup for them if they usually have the habit of putting on make-up. Caregivers can also try combing their hair to encourage the person with dementia to copy their actions. Bring them to their usual salon or barber.
To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors
– Tia Walker –
– Tia Walker –
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