The Important Role of Reassurance in Dementia Care

By 9  am on

Reassurance Plays an Important Role in Dementia Care in Victoria, BC

When seniors develop dementia, they look to their family caregivers for more assistance and reassurance. The process of reassurance could help seniors with dementia enhance their overall quality of life. Here is a closer look at the role reassurance plays in dementia care. 

Eases Hallucinations

Many seniors with dementia experience hallucinations, which can make it difficult to complete daily tasks. For example, when it comes to bathing, your senior loved one may become irritated and refuse to bathe out of fear of “seeing” a stranger in the bathroom. Although you can make sure there is adequate lighting to prevent a glare in the mirror, being reassuring is one of the best ways to help your loved one in this situation. Explain to your loved one that no one is in the room and that you are there to protect him or her. Refrain from being judgmental. Being reassuring can ease the fear and confusion your loved one experiences due to the hallucinations. 

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, an in-home care provider Victoria, British Columbia, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Boosts Self-Esteem

A loss of confidence is something many seniors with dementia experience. They begin to feel useless and undervalued because of their inability to complete daily tasks without assistance, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Reassure your loved one that he or she is needed. Ask your loved one for help after you have customized a task and made it easier for him or her to complete. When your loved one accomplishes something, make sure to praise him or her and celebrate the success. Let your loved one know you are glad to have him or her around to complete the tasks. This level of reassurance could boost your loved one’s confidence and self-esteem. 

Calms the Atmosphere 

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming and frustrating, but you should never display these emotions in your loved one’s presence. Doing so could cause him or her to become frustrated, agitated, confused, and even violent. Instead, think about how you would feel in your loved one’s situation and offer reassurance. Make sure your voice is soothing, and refrain from yelling or using negative tones. Give your loved one a hug or hold his or her hand when things get chaotic. Reassuring your loved one that everything will be fine may calm him or her down and minimize the negative behavioral changes he or she experiences. 

At times, it’s a good idea to take a break from your caregiving duties so you can relax, let go of negative emotions, and create a calm atmosphere at home. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Victoria, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break.  

Enhances Social Connections

Isolation and loneliness can be a serious issue for seniors, especially those who are living with dementia. Seniors who don’t have meaningful relationships may become lonely and depressed. However, family caregivers can provide their loved ones with the companionship they need. Reassurance is also necessary when encouraging seniors with dementia to continue with social activities. Family caregivers need to remind their loved ones that they are there to have fun and not to be judged based on their talent. Sometimes, a smile, hand clap, or hug may have a bigger impact than words. When you offer reassurance through expressions and gestures, your loved one may gain the will to continue socializing instead of quitting and becoming isolated.

Dementia is a serious health concern that can impact a senior’s independence and overall quality of life. Performing daily tasks while simultaneously managing the symptoms of a serious illness can be challenging for seniors. The Victoria live-in care experts at Home Care Assistance are available 24/7 to make sure your loved one has the care he or she needs to remain safe and comfortable while aging in place. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, talk to one of our staff members at (250) 592-4881 today.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

    Request Free Information or
    Schedule a Free in-Home Consultation