What are some things I can do to help my Dad with dementia?
My father is 82. We believe he has the onset of dementia. He gets strange thoughts in his head and thinks people are doing him wrong. He is agitated and has a temper
I agree with those above. I'd first confirm what is causing his behavior. It could be something treatable, but if it is dementia, then I would read a lot about dementia. You can come here and other sites that provide a lot of practical advice.
I do hope that he has signed Durable Power of Attorney and Healthcare POA. If it is dementia and he is progressing, he'll need someone to act on his behalf and keep him safe. There really isn't any way to make him get better, understand that that he is mistaken or help him get nicer. Often dementia patients are agitated, uncooperative and resistant. With dementia, the brain isn't able to process things correctly, so no amount of explaining will help. It's more of getting through the day with redirecting, comforting and being patient.
MEDICATIONS can be very helpful with the anxiety and delusions. I would certainly explore that with his doctor, if it's dementia. I have seen miracles with meds. They can bring much comfort and contentment to someone who is afraid, confused and agitated.
Sometimes it's a matter of bringing the person peace in the moment. If they say their neighbor has thrown eggs on their car, you might explain that the neighbor cleaned it up, apologized and is moving away and will never bother him again. Or if he thinks someone stole from him, explain that they returned the money and if will never happen again. I may show up and if the dementia patient is upset or worried, I say that I have made some calls and fixed it all and I am now there to celebrate with treats. That makes her feel better and she is so relieved that I have solved all the problems. I deal with the moments, because 5 minutes later, she will not recall what has been said.
There are excellent articles on the Aging Care website regarding Alzheimer's/Dementia that you will find to be very helpful. Click on https://www.agingcare.com/Alzheimers-Dementia and scroll down to the articles.
You also might want your Dad's primary doctor to check to see if Dad has a urinary tract infection because that can also cause strange thoughts and agitation. If that is the case, antibiotics will help.
Has he been examined by his doctor recently? Can you have him tested for dementia? Could also be UTI. More info would be helpful. Use this site to research signs of dementia and how to deal with it.
3 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
I do hope that he has signed Durable Power of Attorney and Healthcare POA. If it is dementia and he is progressing, he'll need someone to act on his behalf and keep him safe. There really isn't any way to make him get better, understand that that he is mistaken or help him get nicer. Often dementia patients are agitated, uncooperative and resistant. With dementia, the brain isn't able to process things correctly, so no amount of explaining will help. It's more of getting through the day with redirecting, comforting and being patient.
MEDICATIONS can be very helpful with the anxiety and delusions. I would certainly explore that with his doctor, if it's dementia. I have seen miracles with meds. They can bring much comfort and contentment to someone who is afraid, confused and agitated.
Sometimes it's a matter of bringing the person peace in the moment. If they say their neighbor has thrown eggs on their car, you might explain that the neighbor cleaned it up, apologized and is moving away and will never bother him again. Or if he thinks someone stole from him, explain that they returned the money and if will never happen again. I may show up and if the dementia patient is upset or worried, I say that I have made some calls and fixed it all and I am now there to celebrate with treats. That makes her feel better and she is so relieved that I have solved all the problems. I deal with the moments, because 5 minutes later, she will not recall what has been said.
You also might want your Dad's primary doctor to check to see if Dad has a urinary tract infection because that can also cause strange thoughts and agitation. If that is the case, antibiotics will help.
ADVERTISEMENT