Learning to Understand and Cope with Dementia

Confusion, irritation, anger, and sadness are a few symptoms you may experience if you have dementia. Although they are not intentional and symptoms of a disease, dealing with these emotions is often physically and emotionally challenging. Read on to learn more about typical dementia behaviors and tips from the experts in our senior rehabilitation center and skilled nursing facility to understand how to manage them.

Common Behaviors of Dementia

Confusion This cognitive condition may cause you to experience frequent mood swings and paranoia, often resulting in confusion about details like what time it is, your home address, and the reason you are in a particular place.
Aggression This behavior includes lashing out, being mean, or using combative statements. Sometimes, this kind of anger because of dementia may also lead to physical violence.
Poor Judgment It often manifests as unfounded accusations, struggling with simple calculations, or the inability to balance a checkbook. Stockpiling, hoarding, and repeating tasks and statements are also a few examples.
Manipulation This behavior includes lying to get what you want. In addition to this, people with dementia are known for using bargaining methods as well.

Tips to Deal with Difficult Behaviors and Dementia

Handling Aggression or Combative Moods

The best way to deal with anger is to identify the reason and understand what is causing you to behave aggressively. It is also a good idea to think about whether your feelings are rational. A few reasons you may be angry are:

A person, an object, or an incident triggers you
Physical pain
Wandering mind

Managing Confusion and Repeated Questions

If you are feeling confused about your whereabouts or what’s happening around you, it is best to remember the following:

Try and communicate with your loved ones. If you are staying in a skilled nursing facility, you can talk to the staff.
Keep yourself surrounded by photos and items that can help you in such situations.
Remain calm and composed till you get the answers to reassure yourself.
Be sure to use tools such as calendars, alarms, and lists to remember the essentials.

Dealing with Poor Judgment & Manipulation

Dementia leads to the deterioration of brain cells, which causes errors in thinking and poor judgment. Distinguishing reality and understanding the truth can also become challenging over time. It helps to look for a senior rehabilitation center, where you can get expert assistance and qualified staff support. They will listen to you, offer guidance, and help you simplify tasks and break them down into manageable steps.

Choosing a Nursing Home When You Have Dementia

Although there are no treatments to stop or eliminate dementia, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers offer therapies and medications that may help you. They often can help with the following:

Modifying the Environment

Reducing noise and clutter can help make it easier for you to focus and function better. By staying at a skilled nursing facility, you will have a safe and secure environment with monitoring systems to alert the staff if necessary.

Occupational Therapy

Rehabilitation centers for older adults with dementia and other cognitive diseases have an occupational therapist. They can teach you coping behaviors and help you understand how to make your living space safer. This way, you can prevent falls and accidents, manage your behavior, and prepare for the progression of the condition.

Encourage Communication & Exercise

The main advantages of exercise for seniors with dementia include improved balance, strength, and cardiovascular health. It can also help you manage restlessness and other symptoms of the disease.

Opportunity to Engage in Activities

Senior rehab facilities have the resources to plan activities that you can enjoy despite having dementia. Painting, singing, dancing, gardening, and other activities can be fun and help you connect with other like-minded people.

Regular Check-Ups

It helps to schedule regular professional check-ups so your doctor can monitor your condition and the disease’s progression. They will assess your health, understand your symptoms, and recommend suitable medicines accordingly to ensure your well-being. They can also prescribe dietary supplements and medications to help improve your condition.

Tips to Select a Nursing Home When You Have Dementia

Consider Referrals If your family physician, family members, or friends have any recommendations on skilled nursing homes, be sure to check them out. If an acquaintance has first-hand experience in a rehab center, it can help you narrow your choices. However, it is best to consider your individual needs when making the final decision.
Educate Yourself Online resources for rehabilitation centers and nursing homes include ranking sites that rate these facilities based on the existing state data. You can consider the rankings to find a facility that meets your requirements and choose one that suits you.
Factor in Your Health and Medical Needs Nursing homes for seniors often have more expertise in different areas. When looking for one, be sure to consider whether they are experienced and have the resources to handle your specific health condition. Doing so will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the right treatment and will be comfortable after you move in.
Consider the Distance It is beneficial to find a reputable senior rehab center near your home. Doing so will make it more convenient and easier for friends and family to visit you.

The Holiday Retirement Offers the Best Nursing Home in Rhode Island

If you are looking for a senior rehabilitation center and skilled nursing home in and around Rhode Island, The Holiday Retirement is the right choice. We have the resources to provide long-term care, post-surgery rehab, and manage aging concerns such as dementia. In addition to this, we also offer short-term care. Our qualified team will treat you with the utmost care, love, and respect you deserve. We provide top-notch service and have friendly staff to cater to your needs and ensure you are safe, comfortable, and happy.

For more details about our nursing home in Rhode Island, please call us at 1-401-765-1440. You could also fill out our online contact form to schedule a tour of our facility. We’ll be happy to assist you.

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