Dementia Don'ts

Did you know there are 3 things you should never do with your loved one with dementia? One of the reasons this journey can be so complex and challenging is that the person with dementia, especially in the early stages, looks so much like their normal, usual self. They don't seem to look like much is wrong with them. It's not apparent that their brain is struggling. So, when they want to do something, they no longer can, and you tell them no, and they argue with you, well, it's tempting to argue back, but that won't help and will leave everyone feeling miserable.  Not arguing with your loved one with dementia is just one of the 3 Don'ts of Dementia we are walking through on the show today. Listen in to learn the other 2 and the reasonings behind them for more ease in your caregiving journey.     In this Episode: [00:30] - Introducing the 3 don'ts of dementia care. [00:44] - Doing these 3 don'ts strains your relationship with your loved one with dementia and makes caregiving more difficult. [00:59] - The person with dementia may not remember exactly what happened, but they hang on to the general association and negative feelings they have when they are with you. [01:16] - How dropping the 3 dementia don'ts can help you repair your relationship and make caregiving easier for you and the person with dementia.  [02:20] - Dementia Don't #1: Stop over-correcting and let harmless things go.    [05:44] - Dementia Don't #2: Don't try to reason; you cannot interact and communicate with the person who has dementia in the same ways you've interacted with them in the past. [07:35] - How can you accomplish your goal and keep them safe without getting them to agree? [08:03] - Why trying to get your loved one with dementia to agree is not just useless but also harmful.    [08:29] - Dr. Natali offers workarounds for solving the 'you can no longer drive' dilemma. [08:54] - Dementia Don't #3: Don't argue; even though they may look the same on the outside, what's going on inside of your loved one's brain has changed. Arguing is not going to help. [10:01] - For more details on each of the 3 Dementia Don'ts, visit 3 things to NEVER do with your loved one with dementia on Careblazers TV.    Links and Resources: 3 Things to NEVER Do with Your Loved One with Dementia Dementia Careblazers  Careblazers TV Dementia Careblazers Blog About Careblazers with Dr. Natali Join the Dementia Care Club Download the Careblazer Survival Guide Email the Careblazers