Alzheimer's Care, Don't Argue

Arguing with a person living with dementia is a common caregiver practice. Eventually caregivers learn this doesn't work, and it only makes things worse. What can you do about it?By Bob DeMarcoAlzheimer's Reading RoomI received an email today from our long time reader, Jean. She reminded me of these two little words- don't argue.I remember when I argued with Dotty every day. Guess what -- it made our lives miserable.I wonder what percent of Alzheimer's caregivers argue - like 98.6 percent?Do you argue?How to Get a Dementia Patient to CooperateI was at "wits end".Dotty would tell me to get out, and she didn't need me. I would try to explainshe couldn't live without me. The argument ensued.Dotty would end up in her bedroom curled up in a ball. I would end up in the living room with a heartache and stomach ache. I couldn't figure out what to do.Then I made it toAlzheimer's World. And next thing you know I came up with a good idea. Simple really.The Importance of Touch and Kindness in Dementia CareSo when Dotty said get out, I did the exact opposite of what I had been doing.I put my arm around her, put my head on her head, and said, I'm not going anywhere. I'll take care of you.Guess what happened?Dotty didn't go into her bedroom, she accepted what I said. No heartache for me. From this I started thinking -maybe I should just do the exact opposite of what my instincts told me to do.So instead of trying to explain I cut out all the Blah Blah Blah.Dementia Care No More Bl...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimer's awareness Alzheimer's Dementia alzheimers care dementia care dementia help for caregivers family caregiving help alzheimer's help with dementia help with dementia care Source Type: blogs