By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    headphones can create health problems
    The Harmful Health Effects of Using Headphones
    September 24, 2021
    Headache causes
    4 Causes Of Headache You Probably Didn’t Know About
    December 28, 2021
    follow these steps to recover from your injury
    What Steps Should You Take to Recover More Quickly from an Injury?
    April 12, 2022
    Latest News
    How Probate Planning Shapes the Future of Your Estate and Family Care
    July 16, 2025
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    ADA dental health
    ADA Launches Action for Dental Health
    October 13, 2013
    The Devin Nunes Nonsense Health Plan
    June 26, 2012
    Q and A: Addressing an Enormous Public Health Problem with a Simple Technology Solution
    January 15, 2014
    Latest News
    How Health Choices and Legal Actions Intersect After an Injury
    July 16, 2025
    How communities and healthcare providers can address slip and fall injuries with legal awareness
    July 16, 2025
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Fundamentals of Caring for Persons with Dementia
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Health care > Fundamentals of Caring for Persons with Dementia
Health careSpecialties

Fundamentals of Caring for Persons with Dementia

Derek Lotts
Derek Lotts
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

 

Contents
Symptoms of dementiaGood and bad daysCarer support groupsWhen to call a doctor?

It’s hard to see your loved one’s change their behavior because of dementia. Sometimes, it seems that there’s nothing left from the person you knew, but you have to be strong and prepare yourself for this situation as much as you can.

As this is a completely new territory for both sides, it’s going to take a time until you catch up with this situation and do what’s best for them. You have to educate yourself and maintain a positive, but realistic attitude. Nevertheless, you can always ask others for advice or help. These pieces of advice could be helpful if you find yourself having to look after a person with dementia, .

Symptoms of dementia

As you may know, dementia includes all sorts of symptoms, depending on the areas of the brain that are affected by the disease. Memory loss is the most apparent symptom, but dementia could also include a change in behavior and mood, hallucinations and delusions. In the latest stages, the disease could prevent people from doing routine daily activities such as using the toilet and dressing independently.  Dementia usually attacks older people for a number of reasons. Some of them may also have a problem with osteoporosis, anxiety, agitation, hearing problems, weak eyesight, paralysis, etc. You have to understand that they are feeling vulnerable, so be patient with them.

More Read

A Parent’s Anguish, Ovarian Tumor at Age 10
Aging in the Empire State: A Look at New York City’s Senior Population
High Quality, Low Cost Video Interview Series: Dr Seth Feuerstein Talks Cognitive Behavior Therapy
CarePlanners New Model for Helping Mom and Dad
One More Reason You Really Don’t Want to Get Breast Cancer

Good and bad days

The truth is that people with dementia will sometimes act normally, but sometimes they will become aggressive out of the blue. When that happens, try to remain calm and put yourself in their shoes. They are not doing it on purpose – they are just scared and don’t know how to voice their feelings.

It’s important to talk with them in a low, calming voice. Arguing and telling them “no” is the worst option, so avoid this kind of behavior. You should try to find the cause of their aggression, but in some situation, you will just have to give them a bit of space.

Nevertheless, you have to be realistic. Most types of dementia are progressive and irreversible. Your job is to make people with dementia feel as safe and happy as possible. Every day is a new challenge, so try to foster the good days and moments for them.

Carer support groups

Caregiving for someone with dementia is not easy, but it’ easier if you can discuss your problems with someone. Supporting groups are a great place to learn about the disease and to see what others are going through. More experienced caregivers or professionals are always ready to answer all of your questions. That is important when you are facing an exceptional challenge or difficult time. On the other hand, with so many obligations on your back, you will sometimes need a help of a professional. Don’t judge yourself because you don’t have enough time. Sometimes you will have to work long hours or have to take care of your kids. In this situation, the best option is to get them to a great dementia care center like newdirectioncare, because that way you’ll be able to visit them whenever you can, and you’ll know that professionals are giving them everything they need.

When to call a doctor?

If you choose to take care of a person with dementia on your own, it’s important to recognize the signs that you need help. So, if you notice signs of delirium, such as confusion or emotional outbursts, or if a person doesn’t seem to know where or who they are, it’s time to call a doctor.

Next, call a doctor if signs of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) develop suddenly. The symptoms may include weakness, especially on one side of the body, eye problems, confusion, dizziness, headache, etc. New and troubling memory loss could indicate the progress of the disease. If a person with dementia has trouble finding the right words when speaking, getting lost going to familiar places, and acting suspiciously, you should report these changes in behavior to the doctor.

Dementia will start slowly, but it will progress. You will meet many professionals and you should think about them as a part of your team. If you don’t understand what doctors are saying, ask them again. Remember, staying calm and patient is of utmost importance.

TAGGED:caringdementiafundamentalspersons
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

paramedics in surgical gloves and masks
How Health Choices and Legal Actions Intersect After an Injury
Health care
July 16, 2025
a woman giving a key
How Probate Planning Shapes the Future of Your Estate and Family Care
Health
July 16, 2025
a woman with kinesio tapes on her back arm
How communities and healthcare providers can address slip and fall injuries with legal awareness
Health care
July 16, 2025
healthcare providers
Hidden Injuries After An Accident: What Healthcare Providers Should Watch For
Infographics
July 15, 2025

You Might also Like

orphan drugs
Global HealthcarePublic HealthSpecialties

The Orphan Drug Renaissance

June 15, 2013
9 Mistakes You're Making That Up Your Risk for Joint Pain
OrthopaedicsSpecialties

5 Tips For Dealing With Inflammation Of The Joints

February 4, 2020
Health careSkin

The Best Tips For Treating Your Skin During All Decades Of Your Life

August 28, 2019
patient engagement
NewsPolicy & LawSocial MediaSpecialties

Patient Engagement Explored at the ePharma Summit

March 9, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?