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Home Alzheimer’s Care 5 Ways Reassurance Is Useful in Dementia Care
When seniors are diagnosed with dementia, their entire worlds need to be readjusted. The memory loss, cognitive decline, and mood swings could be a lot to bear, which is why reassurance is very useful in dementia care. Here are some of the ways reassurance can benefit seniors living with dementia. 

1. Restores Confidence 

Losing their memory or the ability to speak at times could lead to nervousness and doubt in aging adults with dementia. Seniors need to be comforted by their caregivers in these instances. You can restore your loved one’s confidence by saying something positive like “You can do it next time.” This lets your loved one know that although he or she didn’t do something right, you still believe in his or her abilities. In addition to offering words of encouragement and reassurance, you can restore your loved one’s confidence by simplifying activities based on his or her abilities.

 Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of homecare. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

2. Relieves Anxiety

It’s common for seniors living with dementia to experience panic attacks. The triggers are often anxiety and stress, which could lead to confusion, irritation, and impaired functioning. However, reassuring your loved one that he or she will be okay and that everyone is there to help out could calm the situation and relieve the stress and anxiety. You can also reassure your loved one with a smile. 

3. Alleviates Paranoia

Seniors with dementia experience hallucinations from time to time. For instance, they may think they hear people talking in an empty room or hold conversations with imaginary people. Some seniors don’t experience any hallucinations until they’re asleep. Regardless of when your loved one hallucinates or becomes paranoid, be reassuring and soothing to direct his or her focus elsewhere. 

Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands® Dana Point is here to help. We are a leading provider of memory care in South Orange County and families can take advantage of our flexible, customizable care plans and our caregivers stay current on the latest developments in senior care.

4. Enhances Mood

Using reassurance in dementia care can help seniors feel positive about life. Instead of dreading the day and the challenges that await them, seniors with dementia will be ready for positive interactions with others. Tell your loved one how great he or she has been doing and how you’ll be there to continue helping him or her succeed. Since adults living with dementia have difficulty processing information, you should reassure your loved one multiple times throughout the day. 

5. Eases Fear

Fear is one of the primary emotions seniors feel while living with dementia. The inability to recognize common things and people could cause your loved one to feel anxious. In the later stages of dementia, he or she may have difficulty walking, which could also lead to fear. However, by being reassuring, you can ease your loved one’s fears. Hold your loved one’s hand and let him or her know you’re in this together and that you’ll take care of each other.

Hiring a compassionate caregiver is one of the best ways to help an aging adult handle the symptoms of dementia. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elderly home care. Assisting Hands® Dana Point is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in their golden years. From caregivers who provide mentally stimulating activities to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. To learn about our premier in-home care plans and how they can benefit your loved one, schedule a free in-home consultation with us at (949) 426-7300 today.