This is an article in Hovi Care’s series of 10 articles with the topic: 10 Wishes for Caregiver.
The keys to success when working with a person with memory disorders are both very easy but challenging. Everything starts with the person’s situation and his/her abilities.
In this series of articles, we’ll help you make the day successful with the person with dementia. (PwD) You will need a bag of tips and tricks to tackle multitude of situations. The tools and methods include:
- standing side-by-side
- reminiscing together
- continually searching for ways to enhance a person’s feeling of safety
- supporting a person’s self-image
- creating moments that enforce feelings of participation and a person’s sense of accomplishment
Let’s get started with Positive Reinforcement
A person with memory disorders needs help and confirmation that he/she still can do things, even though he/she cannot remember everything or have difficulties in comprehension.
Having a memory illness does not mean that one cannot enjoy one’s life anymore. One can still do many things and take part in activities. Spending time together works best when both are side-by-side.
The Effect of Positive Reinforcement
For a person with a late-stage memory disorder, individual moments are important. If he/she gets an enforced feeling in this moment, the feeling probably will carry on to the next moment too. It makes the day more rewarding to everyone involved. If we fail to enforce the person’s individuality, humanity, and sense of security, it will translate to confusion and negative feelings, which will carry on to the next moment.
Keep it Supportive
Enforcement, supporting, and guidance together with walking side-by-side and genuine searching for solutions together are keys to good care and successful living with a person with a memory disorder.
Forcing something on someone will create a counter-response. If a person without memory illness who is still socially capable is forced to do something against his/her will, he/she most likely may not get agitated but can find a way out of the situation. If a person who has difficulties monitoring and adjusting their emotions is put to a corner, his/her reaction might simply be to retaliate and escape.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Case example: How would you feel if your clothes are taken from you, and a group of three people hold onto you and take you to a shower by force? Do you think there is a chance of success? Whereas if you start thinking of possible ways to make the showering enjoyable from the person’s perspective. Perhaps he/she had a habit of having a refreshment afterward? By preparing the bottle waiting in the bathroom, together with clean clothes and some music in the background. The question is: how can you make him/her feel like a whole person and safe with you in the situation?
Also, have a look at Hovi Care’s other articles on the series: 10 Wishes for Caregiver
Have a look at our other articles on how to take care of a person with dementia here.
If you need support services for your loved one, please contact us to hear more. We operate in Bali and Singapore. Read more about Hovi Care here.
