BY LAURA PIEPER, LCSW HARVEST HEALTHCARE Caring for residents with age related challenges

What are some signs of Dementia? Dementia causes challenges for the person who has it and for those of us who care for them. Many of the problems for both the resident and caregiver are caused by memory loss.

What are some symptoms of Dementia? Recent memory loss, residents might ask the same question frequently, each time forgetting that you’ve already given the answer. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. Residents might try and cook a meal and forget they have something on the stove.

More signs Problems with language. Residents may forget simple words or use the wrong words. Time and disorientation. May go to dining room up to a full hour before serving time. Disorientation. Residents may forget what floor their apartment is on or what apartment is theirs. Sometimes color coding can help.

Even more signs Poor judgment. A resident may forget to put a coat on before going out. Misplacing things. Iron in the fridge or keys in the sugarbowl. Can’t find these things later. Personality changes. Residents may have drastic changes in personality. Irritable, suspicious, fearful

Challenges for giving care Residents may have trouble with tasks that require multi steps Resisting showering is a common example. Thinking about the steps involved in showering may become confusing and produce anxiety for the resident

Some ideas to try Try to speak directly to the resident making eye contact. Sit in front of resident. Place gentle hand. Start some friendly conversation “I was looking forward to seeing you today”. “I’m here to help you with your bath today” Instead of “Do you want to bathe now?”

Give Choices “Do you want to wear your red blouse or your blue blouse?” Lay the clothes out on the bed. Say what you are doing “I’m going to get the bathroom nice and warm for you now”. Gather and have all bathing supplies ready to go. Soap, shampoo, washcloth, etc. Allow the resident modesty. Offer to hold a towel in front of resident if they wish.

Say what you are doing before you do it “I’m going to run the water now”. “I’m going to ask you to step into the tub now” “I’m going to put soap on the washcloth now” Ask permission to assist with washing private areas.

Give a compliment “There you are, all clean and GORGEOUS!/HANDSOME.” If you have time, chat some more after the shower. “How was your day, etc.”

If you meet with resistance Check with family. Does the resident feel comfortable with a certain care tech? Are there complicating issues? The more agitated the resident becomes the calmer you become. The higher the tone of voice, the lower your tone of voice.

Attention seeking behaviors When they occur, make eye contact. Listen intently. Comment Validate feelings Try to understand the underlying feeling Anxiety, fear, frustration Speak to the feeling, not the action. “You are scared”, “You are worried”, “You are angry” It is ok to be these things. Redirect resident to another activity