Hands-On Healing: Managing the Daily Realities of Cognitive Decline

I have worked at a local nursing home as a dietary aide since last summer, and have recently started working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) as well. These two jobs have taught me numerous things, specifically how to care for people experiencing cognitive decline. It can be difficult to see loved ones face the challenges of memory loss, and you might feel like there is nothing that you can do to help. But there are many strategies for caring for these loved ones. In this article, I will be discussing the wide variety of tactics to provide quality care to those with cognitive decline.

How Can I Help?

There are many simple things that you can do as a caregiver to ensure those with cognitive decline live as comfortably as possible. Your care should be focused on the person, also known as person-centered care. It's key to focus on the skills the person still has, rather than what they have lost. Those with dementia might not see the things around them the way you do, so it is best to try to see things from their perspective. There are many coping strategies that those with dementia may use. The main types of coping strategies include practical, social, emotional, and health improvement strategies.

Daily Care Basics

Those with dementia have changes in their thinking, remembering, and reasoning. As a result, they may need assistance with everyday tasks such as grooming and dressing. It is best to try to keep a consistent daily routine for grooming, dressing, and eating. When assisting someone with dementia, try to let them do as much as they can independently. This helps them maintain their dignity, sense of purpose, and cognitive function. Since those with cognitive decline have trouble remembering things, try to help them write lists of things they need to do, as well as appointments. Lastly, make sure you still do activities the person enjoys. This helps the person remain engaged and enhance their quality of life.

Communication

It can become difficult for those with dementia to communicate due to their memory loss. They can become angry or agitated when they aren't able to find the words to get their point across. As a caregiver, you might feel frustrated that you don't understand them, but it is important to remember that they are trying their best. To help them, always be reassuring. Listen to his or her concerns and show that you understand where they are coming from. If they are telling you they are in a different time period and experiencing things that aren't happening, try not to tell them they are wrong; instead, listen to what they are saying and ask them about what they are feeling. If they don't remember you, remind them who you are, but don't say, "Don't you remember?" This can cause more agitation than good. Try to avoid asking too many questions, but when you do, consider giving them options or yes/no answers. Finally, make sure that you include the person in conversations, rather than speaking on their behalf.

Maintaining Independence

It is very important to let those with dementia complete tasks that they can still do independently. Caregivers shouldn't automatically assume the person isn't able to perform daily activities alone. It is best to involve the person in their own care by doing tasks together. To make it easier, you can break these tasks down into smaller steps that they are able to understand easily. You should always focus on the process of a task, rather than completing it perfectly.

Activites

Finally, dementia shouldn't mean someone has to give up doing the activities that bring them joy. As a caregiver, you can find ways to modify activities to the person's abilities. Make sure to pay close attention to what makes the person seem happy versus anxious. You can try to involve them in small activities around the house, such as setting the table. You can also try to relate activities to what they did as a career. An example of this is a former farmer finding joy in doing yard work. As the disease progresses, you may have to adjust activities to be less physically active.

Conclusion

In conclusion, caring for someone with cognitive decline can feel overwhelming at times, but meaningful support often comes from small, intentional actions. Focusing on person-centered care allows caregivers to prioritize the individual’s remaining abilities, preferences, and sense of identity rather than the limitations caused by memory loss. Maintaining consistent routines, communicating with patience and reassurance, encouraging independence, and adapting enjoyable activities can all contribute to preserving dignity and improving overall quality of life. Although dementia changes the way a person interacts with the world, compassionate caregiving helps ensure they remain engaged, respected, and as comfortable as possible throughout the progression of their condition.

References

Alzheimer's Society. “Understanding and Supporting a Person with Dementia.” Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Society, 27 June 2022, www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/understanding-supporting-person-dementia.

Alzheimers.gov. “Tips for Caregivers and Families of People with Dementia.” Www.nia.nih.gov, Alzheimers.gov, 2023, www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers.

‌Alzheimer's Association. “Activities.” Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, 2019, www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/activities.

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