Dementia: 6 tips for family caregivers
Dementia is one of the most dreaded diseases in old age. Stand-2018 life in Germany according to the German Alzheimer society, approximately 1.7 million people with dementia per year, approximately 300,000 new cases occur. Two-thirds of them are cared for at home. As members of the Situation can handle, says the Association of nursing assistance in a press release.
1. Disease admit
The dementia of a loved one to admit, falls very hard for many people. Symptoms are ignored or talked down, the explosiveness of the Situation displaced. But: "The earlier one detects a dementielle disease, the effectiveness of further steps taken werden", Sabrina Cali, Director of care consultation at the Association of care help says.
2. Negative Gefühle allow and accept
To see how a familiar person to a "Fremden" designed for anyone easily. The memory, the behavior will change, in part, Ill be aggressive and offensive. This can also affect the families that have to deal with the diseased Person, strong. The Association of care help family members, negative emotions that arise may be, to accept and to give them room. Many it also helps to look for the exchange with like-minded people and with other Affected exchange.
3. Avoid conflicts of
The character changes in the mountains, of course, but also a high potential for conflict. "You should have the feeling to lose control, a it helps to go for example, just out of the room to get a breath of fresh air, consciously and exhale, or to trinken" a glass of water;, Cali advises. If it is already too late to help, for example, to calm down by using mindfulness exercises and then at the excuse.
4. Know your limits and set
Another important topic is the recognition and Setting of limits. Try yourself in the perspective of the patient’s shoes and understand his behavior. So you have the opportunity to respond to new behaviors appropriately. However, don’t lose your personal boundaries from the point of view: Dementia, the Situation aware of your anger, and helplessness, and often to their environment. In this case, the Association recommends that, to make it clear that this is so.
5. Für a good night’s rest
Often, it is that dementia is struggling with nighttime Restlessness, which prevents, of course, the members sleep Through the night. Therefore, it is recommended to put on stimulating activities, such as Walks or Play, and to keep the affected Person awake. This increases the Chance on a quiet night. Also if that doesn’t help, can members of one night of care, on the Care level 2 care and maintenance funds to participate.
6. Other people involve in the care
False Pride or a guilty Conscience families out of place in the care of the sick. It is useful to seek support, for example, in the case of other family members, friends, Acquaintances, or neighbors. If this is not possible, there are different offers to relieve: day care, support groups, a time-limited stay in a nursing home or a by the hour service. Cali recommends: "You clarify as early as possible for the question: Up to what point can I maintain? When is it too much for me? What support do I need when?"
For more tips on dealing with demented relatives, you receive advice of the Caritas agencies, at the German Alzheimer’s society or regional long-term care support points. The Association of care assistance offers a free, seven days a week between 8 and 20 PM telephone advice under 06131 / 83 82 160 .
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