None of us like to be told what to do. Throughout our lives we develop attributes of control and Independence. What happens to that control and independence for the person with dementia? It gets taken away on many levels. When spending time with them avoid using statements like: “I want you to” or “I need you to”. Instead offer choice and encourage the person to make a decision. Provide empowerment by asking: “Can you help me with this?”
Telling someone what to do just might result in a power struggle. You will NEVER win a power struggle with someone who has dementia, so don’t try. You are the one with the full brain; their brain is shrinking. Please meet them in their reality.
You have the ability to foster a person’s control and independence no matter where they are in the disease. #DementiaTipThursday