The following are a few simple TyTips (suggestions for you to ponder or practice) that might help
when it seems like the only light at the end of the tunnel is complete
darkness:
1)
Start
thinking of the things that you do for your loved one as ‘work’ and act
accordingly:
Let’s face it, we all have different
standards (usually higher) at work than at home so why not use that to your
advantage
By utilizing the discipline, skills and
organization at home that you would employ at work, your days will be more
productive (the things that you do will be less of a ‘chore’ and more of a
‘task’)
2)
Detach:
Detachment can become your best defense
against personal attacks
Separating your emotions from the task at
hand when you are caring for a loved one can sometimes save you from getting
hurt or feeling resentful
If you can separate your feelings from the
person you’re caring for (spouse, parent, sibling or friend) then you might be
better able to focus on the task at hand when they become verbally abusive or
belligerent
3)
Stop
arguing:
Engaging in an argument with a person with
dementia is about as productive as trying to milk a bull
If your loved one becomes argumentative you
can listen to what they have to say without responding (sometimes they just
want to be heard)
Change the subject (by not directly
responding to what they are emotionally upset about you might be able to ‘shake’
them out of their agitated state ad back to rational conversation)
Walk out of the room (sometimes leaving the
room and coming back gives your loved one time to calm down, and the simple
fact of walking in/out of the room instantly changes the dynamic that existed
between the two of you…and (better yet) sometimes gives your loved one time to
‘forget’ what they were being argumentative about)
To Be Continued: In the interim, I welcome
your comments or suggestions from your own experience
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