Dementia may seem scary and confusing to adults, so it may be particularly jarring and frightening to children whose grandparents or great-grandparents suffer from dementia, especially if they knew these elderly relatives before the dementia set in.
Children may not always understand why their relatives are acting in an apparently odd matter, but they may provide their own form of senior care. Although they might be uncertain of what to say or forget to go with the flow, which is a recommended tactic for addressing a relative's dementia, if they feel overwhelmed. The solution is not to abolish the connection between the child and the elderly relative, but rather to find creative, effective solutions and strategies that will make everyone involved feel calmer. Therefore it is important that a parent, senior caregiver, or other trusted adult is with them during these interactions. An individual who has either formal training, such as a senior caregiver, or on-the-job training, such as the child of a dementia patient, will be better able to put both parties at ease, by drawing the focus away from individual differences and putting it on shared interests and experiences. It is imperative that adults and children alike remember and recognize that this grandparent or great-grandparent with dementia may act differently, but elements of her true self still exist and may be drawn out through interaction with people she loves. This is not about mourning the person she was once; it is about celebrating the person she is now and recognizing aspects of her pre-dementia self while appreciating the person that she is today.
Initiating an activity that they both may enjoy will ease any tension and allow them to fully appreciate each other's company. One of the most basic and pleasant activities they may share is coloring, which has been proven to be a therapeutic exercise. It will seamlessly relax the child and the dementia patient. Each person may color in different coloring books, or if the elderly relative can see well enough, they may share a page and work on the same drawing. Crayons should be placed between the two of them, since this is another way of fostering positive interaction and encourages mental stimulation for the person with dementia. The senior caregiver and the child's parent should also join in to make coloring a fun group endeavor. After the picture or pictures are completed, hang them up in the patient's bedroom.
In some ways, providing senior care for dementia patients is similar to providing child care; it is, in a sense, the circle of life. Both demographics are able to appreciate simple pleasures and joys.
Author Resource:-
Penelopespeople.com, A NYC based household staffing agency and nanny agency ny, that specializes in matching qualified, experienced staff with the right households. Penelopespeople.com, A NYC based household staffing agency that specializes in matching qualified, experienced staff with the right households.
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