This article compiles answers from our team of dementia care specialists, including neurologists, geriatric care managers, speech therapists, and experienced caregivers. We've gathered the most frequently asked questions from families and provide evidence-based, compassionate responses.
Navigating dementia care comes with countless questions and uncertainties. Below, our experts address the most common concerns from families, providing practical strategies and professional insights to help you provide the best possible care while maintaining your own wellbeing.
Repeating questions is very common in dementia and usually indicates anxiety, uncertainty, or memory loss. Instead of getting frustrated, try these strategies:
Pro Tip: Keep your answers simple and consistent. Complex explanations can increase confusion. Sometimes a gentle touch or calm presence is more effective than words.
Word-finding difficulties (aphasia) are common in dementia. Here's how to support communication:
Give full attention, maintain eye contact, and avoid interrupting. Be patient.
Use pictures, gestures, or pointing to objects to help with word retrieval.
Frame questions that can be answered with yes/no or simple choices.
Important: Never say "You just asked that" or "We already talked about this." This increases frustration and doesn't help memory.
Bathing resistance is one of the most common challenges. The discomfort may come from:
Pro Tip: Instead of daily full baths, aim for 2-3 times per week with sponge baths in between. Use calming music, gentle touch, and maintain routines. Sometimes having a same-gender caregiver can reduce modesty concerns.
Aggression in dementia is usually a form of communication, not intentional anger. It often signals unmet needs, fear, pain, or frustration. Here's our step-by-step approach:
Take a deep breath. Ensure you have an exit path. Remove potential weapons from reach.
Say "I can see you're upset" not "Calm down." Acknowledge feelings without arguing about facts.
Look for patterns: Time of day? Before/after meals? During personal care? Environmental factors?
Gently suggest a calming activity: "Let's have some tea" or "Would you like to sit in the garden?"
Medical Alert: If aggression is new or worsening, schedule a medical evaluation. Underlying causes could include urinary tract infections, pain, medication side effects, or other medical issues.
Our team of dementia care experts is available for one-on-one consultations to help you develop Personalised care strategies for your specific situation.
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