For family and caregivers of a memory-impaired individual, one of the most frustrating things to experience is your loved one’s repetitive questions. While not all who are living with dementia exhibit this symptom, when it is present it can be quite frustrating for those in their company. However, with a little understanding, patience, and a bit of creativity, there is much that can be done to help support your loved one and guide them towards better communication.
As a caregiver, when you accompany your loved one or client on a visit to the doctor, it's important to be prepared ahead of time. One of the most important things you can do is make a list of the questions you want to ask your physician. Your list should include any recent concerns or things you’ve noticed about your loved one that has come up since your last visit. However, try to keep this list as concise as possible. This is a great opportunity to get answers straight from the doctor without waiting on hold or sifting through contradicting research online.
A strong caregiver-client relationship can be a difficult thing to achieve. There are many aspects of this unique relationship to consider when first introducing yourself to a new client. The following steps can help when establishing a sound connection with your client:
A home visit from a nurse is a valuable tool that can be used to determine the health and wellness of an individual. The visit can also predict future problems and help stop them before they occur. During a home visit, I will look at the overall cleanliness of the home. This is important because it demonstrates if the patient is being well cared for and if she can care for herself. When visiting clients in their homes you can never be sure of what you are going to learn about them.
A bedsore is a wound that is caused by sustained pressure. Pressure damages the skin when you stay in any one position for a long period of time. Reduced blood circulation to this area of the skin can cause the skin cells to “die” and eventually cause a sore.
Any person who stays in one position for a prolonged period of time either sitting, lying or standing is at risk of developing bedsores. A person who is bed-bound, or even a mobile person who doesn’t spend a lot of time in bed, can develop bedsore if they remain in one position for too long.
I was on my way to work when the driver overheard my phone conversation. After hearing I was a nurse who works with the geriatric population and specifically clients with dementia, he opened up about his particular situation as the sole caregiver for his mother who has dementia. I could hear frustration, fear, and weariness in his voice. He felt guilty about leaving her home alone and worried that she still insisted on driving even though he didn’t think it was safe. He also had several questions about the medications she was taking. He just needed someone to listen.
