People with dementia often need help with daily tasks and the amount of assistance they need will change over time. They may feel upset about losing their independence and be resistant to accepting help. However by involving them in the process, you can overcome some of these challenges.  Here are strategies to support you in providing the best care for your loved one.

Remember:

• Be patient and take your time.  Don’t rush your loved one to complete a task. 

• Try to maintain a routine so that it becomes familiar and comfortable for your loved one. However, recognize when it is not working and adapt the process. 

• Provide simple, step-by-step instructions so as not to overwhelm them with information, and provide reassurance throughout the process. 

• Encourage your loved one to do as much as possible and include them in the task. 

  • Try to move slowly and remain in your loved one’s field of vision.

  • Stand at eye level and make eye contact when speaking with them.

  • Engage your loved one and work the task into a conversation instead of saying it as a command.

  • Use gestures to accompany your words.

  • Respect your loved one’s opinions and desires. Don’t argue or talk down to them. 

• Create the right environment and plan your approach. Identify obstacles and health considerations

• If the person is upset or does not want your help, try again later as if it were the first time.

Maintain routines

• Offer medications at the same time each day. 

• Note the times that you loved one previously took their medications and try to follow that schedule if appropriate. 

Encourage independence, as appropriate

• Use a reminder clock or written reminders and put them somewhere where they would be frequently viewed.

• Set alarm clock notifications or create a phone call reminder system with friends and family.

• Use a pill box or organizer,  automatic dispenser, or bottle timer caps to help track medications.

• See if the pharmacy offers bubble pack systems and whether they can deliver.

Overcoming resistance and obstacles

• Sit facing your loved one when providing medications.

• Give one medication at a time and offer water. 

• Prioritize important medications first.

• If your loved one questions the need for medication, say that their doctor or other trusted person wants them to take it today and that they can talk about it with the doctor later.

• If swallowing is an issue, ask the doctor or pharmacist if the medication is available in liquid form or can be crushed into food. 

• Be patient.  If needed, take a break and offer the medication again in a few minutes as if it were the first time. 

• Ask the doctor to review medications to see if any can be discontinued or if there are other options.

• In later stages of dementia, you may need to keep medications locked in a cabinet or lock box.