Great advice. First I was a caregiver...now I have dementia. I get angry when people finish my sentences, tell me what I was saying when I stop talking mid sentence or give me a missing word. These techniques would stop me from staying angry.
I am one of those guilty ones who finish sentences and give the missing words. I have learned that it is not as helpful as you may intend. Every time you do something for the person with the dementia you take away a little chance for the brain to its job and keep doing its job. I'm sorry, I'm new at this, I'm a work in progress. She is going to have to be really patient with me.
It is so difficult as a caregiver to not rush. When I ask my dad a question and I can tell he is thinking I always say to my dad, "take your time" and I don't talk. He often comes up with the "right" answer. My life is so rushed I actually love my "slow" time with him. I am trying hard to cherish every single minute.
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Wonderful wonderful stuff!! Thank you Teepa!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. First I was a caregiver...now I have dementia. I get angry when people finish my sentences, tell me what I was saying when I stop talking mid sentence or give me a missing word. These techniques would stop me from staying angry.
ReplyDeleteI am one of those guilty ones who finish sentences and give the missing words. I have learned that it is not as helpful as you may intend. Every time you do something for the person with the dementia you take away a little chance for the brain to its job and keep doing its job. I'm sorry, I'm new at this, I'm a work in progress. She is going to have to be really patient with me.
DeleteIt is so difficult as a caregiver to not rush. When I ask my dad a question and I can tell he is thinking I always say to my dad, "take your time" and I don't talk. He often comes up with the "right" answer. My life is so rushed I actually love my "slow" time with him. I am trying hard to cherish every single minute.
DeleteThank-you for giving me the words to make my mom feel better about the situation.
ReplyDeleteThis IS hard
ReplyDeleteAs a nurse who cared for the memory impaired,I am now caring for my husband who had dementia.I have NO support system.This IS hard.