When an older adult you love is diagnosed with dementia or any other mental illness, it can feel like a great burden. The good news is that a diagnosis is an excellent first step. Mental illness often goes undiagnosed in older adults because the symptoms are easily confused with normal signs of aging.
For family members and caregivers, helping or living with someone who has dementia can be difficult and scary. Fortunately, there are many ways to approach caring for a person with mental illness with positivity and compassion. Here are just a few of them:
Be Patient
Take a deep breath. Caregiving for a person with dementia is no easy task, and there will be times when you lose patience. The person you are caring for may become angry, aggressive and moody.
Instead of giving in an responding with anger, stay calm and meet their frustration with understanding and love. Show them that they are safe and care for.
Stay Positive
In any caregiving situation, positivity is paramount. You might be one of the only people your loved one sees on a regular basis, so it is important to set a positive tone for your encounters.
Body language and tone of voice are probably even more important than what you actually say, so practice being animated and upbeat in your everyday conversations. Radiating happy vibes will make both you and your loved one feel better every time you meet.
Be Vigilant and Protective
Older adults with dementia often wander off for any number of reasons, and if you’re not watching carefully you may lose track of them. If your loved one is prone to wandering there are steps you can take to prevent them from getting lost, including walking with them to prevent excess restlessness and letting your neighbors know so they can contact you should your loved one wander past.
Another option is using tracking technology like SafteyNet, which can help police officers quickly and easily track down the whereabouts of your older adult. If an older adult with a mental illness wanders away from home it is important to find them quickly, especially in places like Florida where the heat and humidity could cause health problems including dehydration and fatigue.
Learn More About Mental Illness
Part of caring for an older adult with dementia is being open to new ideas about mental illness and how to cope with it. The tips above are a great place to start, but there is always more to learn.
Caring for someone in ACT II of their lives who also has dementia can be a daunting and thankless task. If you begin to feel discouraged, just remember why you are there. If your efforts come from a place of love and compassion, they will be worth it in the end.