As dementia progresses, it can cause seniors to exhibit a variety of behaviors, including stubbornness. They may be unwilling to cooperate with their caregivers due to symptoms associated with the condition. However, you can use the following tips to address stubbornness in a senior loved one with dementia.
Simplify Questions
Don’t overwhelm your loved one with too many questions. Instead, offer a couple of options to choose from. If you speak with an unclear tone and ask a lot of questions, your loved one could become confused and agitated, causing him or her to refuse to answer the questions. Therefore, you should try to keep your phrases short and concise.
Don’t rush your parent. You need to allow time to answer your question. If your loved one answers incorrectly, find a positive and reassuring way to correct the answer, as this will prevent him or her from feeling inadequate and ashamed.
Professional caregivers with training and expertise in dementia care can often identify the sources of communication issues and respond effectively and compassionately. Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Cincinnati families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care.
Monitor Medications
Seniors displaying stubborn behavior could be reacting to the treatment they’re receiving for dementia as well as other health conditions. The side effects of medications could cause them to act out and withdraw from family, friends, and activities. However, monitoring your loved one’s daily reactions to medications allows you to alert the doctor about any unusual behaviors and actions, including stubbornness. The doctor could make changes accordingly or give you tips to manage negative reactions.
Provide Purposeful Tasks
Seniors with dementia often become stubborn because they’re losing their independence. Instead of focusing on the positive side of things, they become consumed by the cognitive issues they’re experiencing.
Giving your loved one purposeful tasks and activities to do could provide a mood boost and make him or her feel in charge. After completing each activity, your loved one may feel accomplished and more confident despite the health issues he or she has encountered due to dementia. Some of the best duties to give your loved one include:
- Organizing clothing
- Doing laundry
- Helping with dinner
Be Respectful
When you lack respect and try to force your loved one to do things, he or she may become stubborn. Yelling at your loved one is rude, and it could disrupt the atmosphere in the home. Avoid ultimatums and condescending tones or phrases.
Your parent may respond better when you’re empathetic, respectful, and kind. However, your loved one may be more inclined to mimic negative behaviors, such as screaming, slamming doors, angry outbursts, and stubbornness.
A trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated senior home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Learn to Compromise
You need to accept that your parent may not be comfortable with some tasks or situations and learn to compromise in these instances. Remaining flexible can help you avoid arguments and enhance your relationship. As long as your loved one’s safety isn’t in jeopardy, allow him or her to choose what to do in terms of diet, caregiving, exercise, and social activities.
If your loved one is living with dementia and becomes stubborn, these suggestions can help you gain understanding and manage his or her care more effectively. The type of at-home care Cincinnati seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.
