Change is Difficult for Dementia Sufferers: Some Tips
Posted May 14 2009 4:32pm
Change is very hard for dementia patients. That's why, often, even taking an elder with dementia "home for the holidays" ends up leaving everyone a wreck - especially the dementia sufferer. It's very easy to "rock their boat" and the confusion of a different, often unrecognizable place with often unrecognizable (to them) people, is very upsetting. You know Grandpa, and want to give him a treat. But Grandpa may not know you or anyone else present. He may be fearful because he doesn't know where he is being taken. Everyone means well, but as solid an understanding of the stage of dementia as you can get is vital to how you go about making changes. This includes housing, day trips and even when you visit.
Change is very hard for dementia patients. That's why, often, even taking an elder with dementia "home for the holidays" ends up leaving everyone a wreck - especially the dementia sufferer. It's very easy to "rock their boat" and the confusion of a different, often unrecognizable place with often unrecognizable (to them) people, is very upsetting. You know Grandpa, and want to give him a treat. But Grandpa may not know you or anyone else present. He may be fearful because he doesn't know where he is being taken. Everyone means well, but as solid an understanding of the stage of dementia as you can get is vital to how you go about making changes. This includes housing, day trips and even when you visit.