Helpful Advice for Dementia Caregivers in Lansing

Caregiving affects many families across Lansing. Managing challenging routines and confronting the reality of a loved one’s condition as they progress through the stages of dementia can be difficult. It can be heartbreaking. But there are evidence-based strategies out there to make caring for a loved one with dementia more manageable.

Here’s a five-part approach to caregiving, based on years of studies and caregiving experiences. However, even a manageable routine can change as the condition progresses, leading many families to look for other options for dementia care in Lansing. At The Courtyard at Delta, the assisted living and memory care team walks Lansing families through each stage, helping them preserve their relationship with their loved one and find the care they need.

Dementia Care in Lansing, Michigan

Across the state of Michigan, 422,000 caregivers provide 682 million hours of unpaid care to a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. For the approximately 4,500 people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia in Ingham County alone, their condition often includes a feeling that their world is shrinking and becoming less familiar.

Over many years, the idea of dementia care has progressed from strategies to “treat a disease” to a more thoughtful approach that supports both caregivers and their loved ones in their new relationship. The concepts and strategies below are based on research as well as experience and insight into how dementia caregivers can improve their difficult situation.

Step 1: Leave Room to Breathe

Lowering physical stress levels around the house can positively impact dementia care, easing the pressure on caregivers to manage every interaction like a crisis. Small adjustments can be better than sweeping changes, such as:

• Keep a regular daily routine for waking, meals, activities, and rest
• Break tasks into smaller steps to reduce frustration
• Check often for pain, hunger, thirst, or fatigue, which can drive distress
• Watch for signs of physical discomfort, from room temperature to clothing choices

These check-ins can help make space for calmer interactions and de-escalate issues before they happen. For example, dehydration is a common trigger for worsening symptoms of dementia, such as irritability and paranoia.

Step 2: Maintain Good Communication

As dementia progresses, the way caregivers speak to their loved ones often matters more. A few adjustments can make exchanges easier for both people and lower the chances of escalation:

• Get on the same vertical level and hold eye contact before speaking
• Use short, clear sentences and speak slowly
• Avoid interrupting, correcting, or arguing over details
• Rephrase questions to offer a clear choice
• Limit background noise and other distractions
• Be patient while waiting for a reply, and read nonverbal cues

As an example of communicating clearly, think of the difference between asking a loved one with dementia, “Which sweater would you like to wear?” and asking them, “Would you like the red sweater or the blue sweater?” By narrowing the choices, caregivers can help their loved ones decide with less frustration.

Step 3: Take Part in Familiar Activities

Purposeful breaks help reshape the day around familiar feelings. People with dementia can often still express lifelong skills and enjoy many of the same activities as always. Drawing on these experiences can help both caregivers and their loved ones enjoy their day, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Break activities into steps so tasks stay manageable
• Build the day around familiar, lifelong interests
• Relax and enjoy the time together without rushing
• Include art, music, pet visits, and other experiences that reach beyond words
• Support self-expression and lend a hand with the harder steps
• Plan time outdoors for walking, gardening, or sitting on the porch

Caregivers can also take advantage of local events for group activities. Adult day programs in the Lansing area may offer opportunities to meet others and enjoy the day in a calming space.

Step 4: Respond With Confidence

Agitation and aggression can be common occurrences when providing dementia care. However, these emotions are often signs of an unmet physical or emotional need, rather than actual hostility. One of the best things that caregivers can do is recognize aggression as a form of communication and respond confidently to the root issue, rather than the symptom.

• Look for possible triggers and unmet physical needs
• Consider possible distressing factors such as temperature, lighting, or noise
• Rather than deny claims, acknowledge them and redirect
• Steer attention toward a more relaxing activity
• Stay positive and reassuring, even when the exchange is hard
• Give a loved one space when needed by stepping back or moving aside

For example, someone with dementia may be upset that someone “stole” the TV remote, when the actual cause of the outburst is an itchy sweater. Caregivers able to respond to aggression with redirection and patience can defuse the situation more easily.

Step 5: Care for the Caregiver

Dementia caregivers often put their own health last, even though their loved one needs them to be at their best. Support for the caregivers of loved ones with dementia can matter just as much in managing the situation as dementia care. Here are a few things for caregivers to keep in mind:

• Put personal health first, starting with rest and regular meals
• Carve out time for enjoyable activities
• Keep up friendships and social plans outside the caregiving role
• Ask for and accept help from family members, friends, and neighbors
• Keep a daily journal and reflect on the week with self-forgiveness
• Talk to others in the same situation through classes and support groups
• Take a well-deserved break with services such as adult day care, companion services, or senior living respite stays

According to the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC), 64% of the over 59 million Americans providing care for an adult with a complex medical condition report emotional stress, while nearly half report high physical strain. To prevent burnout, don’t be afraid to seek out resources for dementia care in Lansing, MI, and recognize when the time is right to make a change.

This article should not replace medical advice. Talk with a doctor regarding any issues a loved one may experience, especially if memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s is suspected.

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