Supporting a Partner with Dementia
The more you understand dementia, the better it is to support someone with it. The relationship, environment, and support all shape the experience of a person with dementia. Having said that, it is undoubtedly very challenging and stressful to care for someone with dementia. Care should be person-centred by providing support that is sensitive to the person as an individual.
Changes that come with Dementia in the Picture
Given that the condition is degenerative, as the symptoms worsen, the person may feel anxious and scared about not remembering things or concentrating. Therefore, the partner of someone with dementia needs to support them to maintain skills, abilities, and an active social life. As their partner, you can help with everyday tasks, such as shopping and laying the table. Memory aids, including labels and signs on cupboards, can also be used to help the person with dementia remember where things are.
Day-to-day Meal Schedules Could Change
Given that people with dementia may not drink or eat enough, you need to involve them in preparing the meal if they’re able to do so. To make mealtimes less stressful, consider setting aside enough time for meals, offering food you know they like, trying out different food and providing finger foods if the person struggles with cutlery. Ensuring they have regular dental check-ups to help treat any causes of discomfort in the mouth is advisable. People with dementia also experience problems with going to the toilet. Therefore, it’s important to be understanding about toilet problems whilst retaining a sense of humour when appropriate, and remember that it’s not the person’s fault.
Personal Hygiene is Something to Worry About
Your partner might also need help with washing as they become anxious about personal hygiene. Given that this is a personal and private activity, you need to be sensitive while respecting the person’s dignity. Your partner’s sleep patterns can also be affected as dementia tends to affect the person’s ‘body clock’, and they could, for instance, get up repeatedly during the night and be disoriented when they do so. You can help by making sure that the person is getting plenty of daylight and physical activity during the day, is not consuming caffeine and alcohol in the evenings, and the bedroom is comfortable with a night light or blackout blinds.
Differences Between People with Dementia and People without Dementia
It’s important to remember that the world of a person with dementia differs drastically from that of others around them. Trying to understand and support the person while seeing things from their point of view might help. You can also help by looking after yourself, given that looking after a person with dementia can be very demanding. Family and friends can help by, for instance, giving you a break and taking the person with dementia out.
References
Lee, S.W. (2023). Tips For Caring for Your Spouse with Alzheimer’s and Yourself. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers/how-to-cope-with-alzheimers-spouse
