Dealing with Dementia as a Family

The number of people with dementia in Ireland is set to double in the next 25 years, reaching over 150,000 individuals by 2045.

For families across Ireland, watching a loved one go through a life-altering and difficult change like Alzheimer’s can challenge even the strongest of us. That’s before you even consider how your role in relation to that person might change too, with new responsibilities like carer and social worker often added into the mix.

It’s important to remember that you and your loved ones are never alone in this.

Read on for tips to help you if you have a family member who is living with Alzheimer’s Disease or a similar form of dementia.

Looking After Yourself While Supporting a Loved One

It’s important that you keep yourself as healthy and strong as possible. That means looking after yourself emotionally and physically. It can be tempting to “keep calm and carry on”, but running yourself down in the short-term could soon mean you are unable to cope in the long-run.

Remember, there is no shame in seeking support for yourself while caring for someone else. On the contrary, it demonstrates a realistic understanding of the difficulties involved with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia and the need for carers to also care for themselves too.

So, who cares for the carers?

Family and friends can help by giving you a break.
Charities offer valuable online support and advice.
Our Respite Care services can provide you with some well-deserved relief

Taking Time Out

Being able to get away for a short period to take a walk or sit in a café can make a world of difference. If possible, arrange for another family member or friend to take over your care duties as regularly as possible, even if it’s only for an hour a week. That way, you’ll avoid burnout and be looking after both yourself and your loved one at the same time.

Connecting with Others for Support

Meeting others who are in similar situations to your own can be worth its weight in gold. You’ll feel supported and will also be able to share tips, advice, and practical solutions with like-minded people. Even if you can’t leave the house, there are online support groups you can join.

Seeking Professional Support

If you’re struggling to cope, you might find counselling or other types of talking therapy beneficial. This kind of help is also available online.

Another option might be talking to your GP about starting to receive homecare services from a trusted provider like Comfort Keepers.

There are also many organisations across the country who can support you during this difficult time. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland plays a pivotal role each year in increasing the recognition of the role family carers play in caring for individuals and are there to support you in any way they can.

Caring for Someone with Dementia

As dementia progresses, a person may start to feel anxious, stressed, and frightened. This can happen due to memory and thinking issues, difficulty following conversations, or trouble concentrating.

You should help support your loved one in maintaining their skills, abilities, and active social life for as long as possible. Keeping them socially active can also improve their sense of wellbeing.

You could also try using memory aids placed around the home to help your loved one remember where things are. For example, you could put signs on drawers, cupboards, and doors.

Conversation Strategies for Dementia

Dementia affects the way a person communicates. You may need to change the way you talk and listen to the person you care for. Here are some top tips to help open up conversations with the person you’re looking after:

Talk slowly and clearly in short sentences
Make eye contact
Give them extra time to respond
Let them speak for themselves during discussions about their wellbeing
Do not patronise them or ridicule what they say
Always acknowledge whatever they say
Try rephrasing questions if they are unable to answer how they used to

Supporting Communication with Gestures and Expressions

Gestures, facial expressions, and movement can all help get a message across.

When your loved one finds it hard to speak or understand:

Stay patient and calm to help them communicate more easily
Keep a positive and friendly tone of voice
Talk from a respectful distance to avoid intimidation
Hold their hand while talking to them for reassurance

Active Listening in Dementia Care

Communication is a two-way process. You may have to learn to listen more carefully to your loved one with dementia:

Try not to interrupt, even if you understand what they’re saying
Give them full attention while they speak
Avoid distractions like the TV when talking, but check if it’s OK to do so
Repeat back what they’ve said to confirm you’ve heard accurately

Encouraging Proper Nutrition

Those with Alzheimer’s often do not drink enough because they don’t realise they’re thirsty. This can cause health issues and lead to increased confusion, which can worsen the symptoms of dementia.

Your loved one may also not recognise foods and even refuse to eat. This could be due to confusion, pain from sore gums and ill-fitting dentures, or difficulty swallowing. Always remember, although these behaviours can be challenging, your loved one isn’t being like deliberately. Try these tips:

Make more time for meals
Prepare food you know they enjoy, and in smaller portions
Try fuller flavours or more sugary foods
Provide food to eat by hand if they find it hard to use a knife and fork
Use cups that are easy to hold

Managing Sleep and Bathroom Needs

Someone with dementia may simply forget they need the toilet or even where the toilet is. When appropriate, try to retain a sense of humour and be mindful that it’s not their fault. Try these tips:

Keep a sign on the toilet door
Leave the toilet door open and a light on at night
Try to make going to the toilet part of a regular daily routine

Sleep disturbance can be an issue, and your loved one may try to get dressed during the night as they’re not aware of the time. Try these tips:

Keep a clock by the bed that shows whether it’s night or day
Ensure your loved one has lots of physical activity during the day
Cut out caffeine and alcohol after 5 pm
Limit daytime naps when possible

Supporting You Through Dementia Care

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Comfort Keepers, we provide compassionate homecare services to support families like yours.

If you’re looking for professional care for your loved one, explore our steps to starting care to see how we can help.

Interested in a rewarding career in dementia care? Apply now or send your CV to recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.