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How To Deal With a Parent With Dementia

a man hugging his senior mother

Compassionate Strategies for Caregivers

Caring for a parent with dementia is a journey filled with emotional challenges and uncertainties. Watching a loved one experience memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior can be overwhelming. However, understanding dementia and learning effective caregiving strategies for managing dementia-related behaviors can provide reassurance and guidance.

At Westminster Place, we support families through this journey with our innovative GuidePoint Memory Method. We offer personalized care and expert resources to enhance well-being and help you learn to deal with a parent with dementia.

Understanding Dementia and Its Challenges

Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, progressively impacting an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks. The early stage of dementia may present as mild forgetfulness, while later stages of dementia can bring more severe symptoms, such as difficulty communicating, disorientation, and mood changes.

There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common type, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases in the United States. While there is no cure, compassionate caregiving can improve a loved one’s quality of life. Careers foster meaningful interactions and create a positive environment by approaching care with patience, empathy, and structure.

Understanding dementia and its impact is essential when caring for a parent living with the disease. As dementia progresses, effective communication strategies, such as maintaining eye contact and using positive body language, can help. It’s important to be patient, not argue, and provide reassurance.

Planning for the future, including exploring long-term care options, can ensure a quality of life for your aging parent. Westminster Place offers resources for caregivers, support groups, and a warm environment where people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other health conditions receive expert care at every stage of dementia.

Managing dementia-related behaviors requires a structured routine, emotional support for caregivers, and practical tips for day-to-day care. Here are various strategies to help you care for a parent with dementia.

Effective Communication Strategies

Clear and compassionate communication is key to reducing frustration and strengthening connections. Here are some strategies to enhance interactions with a person with dementia:

  • Speak clearly and calmly, using simple sentences and a gentle tone.
  • Be patient and give them time to process information and respond.
  • Use nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, touch, and gestures, to convey warmth and understanding.
  • Avoid correcting or arguing, as this can lead to distress—redirect conversations in a positive direction instead.
  • Maintain eye contact and offer reassurance to create a sense of security.

Managing Confusion and Agitation

People with dementia often experience confusion, restlessness or agitation. These moments can be distressing for both the elderly parent and the caregiver. Here are some ways to provide comfort:

  • Establish consistent routines to minimize confusion and create a sense of stability.
  • Use gentle redirection by shifting focus to a different activity or topic if they become upset.
  • Create a soothing environment with soft lighting, familiar objects, and calming music.
  • Validate their feelings rather than dismissing their concerns, even if their thoughts don’t align with reality.

a woman helping her senior mother style her hair

Supporting Daily Living With Dignity

When caring for a parent with dementia, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) requires patience and adaptability. Consider these approaches:

  • Create simple routines for bathing, dressing, and meals that maintain dignity while providing needed support.
  • Break tasks into manageable steps, offering gentle verbal and nonverbal cues rather than taking over completely.
  • Incorporate adaptive tools like no-tie shoes, easy-grip utensils, and walk-in showers to preserve freedom
  • Remember that capabilities fluctuate. Your parent may need minimal help one day and significant assistance the next.
  • Focus on maintaining connection and dignity throughout daily care rather than perfect execution of tasks.

Practical Daily Care Tips

Helping a parent with dementia maintain their daily routine can improve their comfort and dignity. Consider these tips:

  • Simplify meals by offering easy-to-eat, nutritious options and minimizing distractions during dining.
  • Encourage autonomy by breaking tasks into smaller steps and providing gentle guidance.
  • Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars, and lock potentially dangerous areas to create a safe home environment.
  • Engage them in familiar activities, such as listening to music, gardening, painting or looking through photo albums.

Self-Care for Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with dementia can take a toll on emotional and physical well-being. Caregivers need to prioritize self-care by:

  • Seeking support from friends, family or caregiver support groups.
  • Taking breaks and setting aside time for personal activities that bring joy and relaxation.
  • To avoid burnout, ask for help—whether from family members or professional caregivers.
  • Practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.

a woman and her senior mother looking at an old photo album together

Planning for the Future

As dementia progresses, it’s important to plan for long-term care needs. Families should consider:

  • Legal and financial planning, including powers of attorney and advance directives.
  • Exploring memory care communities that offer specialized support and engaging programs.
  • Utilizing community resources, such as Alzheimer’s organizations and educational programs, to stay informed and connected.

Westminster Place: Expert Memory Care and Support

As dementia progresses, your loved one may need more care and support that you can provide, and you might consider choosing a Memory Care community. At Westminster Place, we understand that every individual experiences dementia differently. That’s why our GuidePoint Memory Method is designed to provide person-centered care. Our Certified Dementia

Practitioners® and experienced team members create meaningful moments and tailor support to each resident’s needs.

With nurturing relationships, engaging programs, and a secure, homelike environment, our Memory Care community fosters comfort, social interactions, physical activity, and connection for residents.

GuidePoint Memory Method is also a tremendous resource for caregivers and family members.

For support and peace of mind, we offer a range of tools, programs, and information, including:

  • Memory Cafés
  • Cognitive wellness resources
  • Educational publications
  • Tools to pave the path for healthy aging and brain health
  • Resources on the Memory Careprocess

Discover Compassionate Memory Care at Westminster Place

With over 120 years of experience, Westminster Place is a leader in Memory Care throughout the Chicago area. Discover how our compassionate Memory Care options and innovative GuidePoint Memory Method can provide the support both you and your loved one need. Our personalized care, vibrant community, and dedicated resources are designed to enhance the well-being of residents and their families.

Ready to see how we can help your loved one thrive? Call us at 847-744-8216 to schedule a tour today and experience the compassionate care that sets Westminster Place apart.