Ways To Avoid Giving A Loved One With Dementia Too Many Choices

While you might be trying to get a loved one recently diagnosed with dementia into a care facility, he or she may relocate to your home in the interim. This change will be a big one for your entire family, especially if the dementia patient requires care around the clock. One way that you can make life easier for not only the patient but also for yourself is to avoid giving your loved one too many choices. Decisions can be challenging for dementia patients, so it's advisable to limit the number of choices you present during the day. Here are some ways to do so.

Provide Help With Clothing

A dementia patient may have trouble selecting clothing to wear. He or she might be stumped by the decision or end up putting together articles of clothing that aren't appropriate to wear out of the house. You might think that you're helping by allowing the person to dress himself or herself, but this situation may pose a challenge. Instead, it's better to simply lay out an outfit for the person in each day. Ideally, he or she will get into the habit of wearing whatever you put out, which will make life easier for both of you.

Make The Meal Choices

Similarly, a person with dementia may struggle if you offer a few choices at mealtime. If you ask an open-ended question such as, "What do you want for lunch?" the person may answer with something that you either don't have the time to make or that isn't healthy. As a result, the person may not wish to eat what you serve. It's far simpler for you to make the meal choices, although it can be nice to make what you expect the person will like. If the patient can get into the habit of eating what is put out before him or her, mealtime will go smoother.

Offer Suggestions For Activities

Over time, you'll get a sense of how your loved one likes to spend his or her day. While you might feel as though it's nice to ask, "What do you want to do today?" the answer may not always be practical. You'll find that it's easier for you to come up with some basic ideas that you can suggest. For example, you can say that after lunch, you'll be taking a drive together or going for a walk in a neighborhood park.

For more advice, work with professionals at facilities like Alta Ridge Communities.

Share