In Conversation with Joanna LaFleur to Bring Her Insights on Practical Tips for Dementia Caregiving

Dementia caregiving can be challenging, but practical strategies can improve both the caregiver’s and the person with dementia’s quality of life. First, establish a daily routine to provide structure and reduce anxiety. Keeping a consistent schedule for meals, bathing, and activities can help prevent confusion.

Simplify tasks by breaking them down into smaller steps, offering assistance only when needed. Communication is key: speak slowly, use short sentences, and maintain eye contact, offering reassurance with a calm tone.

Adapt the environment to ensure safety by removing hazards and adding clear signage. Use memory aids like calendars, sticky notes, and labeled drawers to help with orientation.

Encourage independence where possible, providing opportunities for the individual to make simple choices or participate in familiar activities. Lastly, take care of yourself—caregivers should find time to rest, seek support from family or support groups, and consider respite care services. Prioritizing self-care helps maintain energy levels and ensures sustainable caregiving.

To shed some light on the same, we interviewed a home care industry expert to bring her perspective on practical tips for dementia caregiving.

Let us now delve into what she has to say about practical tips for dementia caregiving:

Question 1: Given your 20 years of experience, what common misconceptions do families have about long-term dementia care, and how can they be better prepared?

There’s a significant education gap when it comes to understanding the differences between assisted living and nursing homes, especially regarding regulations. In Michigan, for example, assisted living has fewer regulations, particularly around staffing ratios.

While nursing homes have specific requirements for staff-to-resident ratios, assisted living simply states that staffing levels must meet the needs of the residents—leaving much to interpretation.

Another issue is that families often focus on surface-level amenities, like chandeliers, floral arrangements, or entertainment, when choosing a memory care community, without considering the critical factors: the quality of care, staff-to-resident ratio, and the training staff receive.

Unfortunately, there aren’t stringent regulations for dementia training, and many communities don’t prioritize it.

Families need to take the initiative to educate themselves by following experts in the field of long-term and dementia care. It’s a missed opportunity for our healthcare system to better support families, as we’re still playing catch-up when it comes to providing comprehensive dementia care.

Question 2: What practical advice would you offer caregivers to maintain their own emotional well-being amidst the challenges of dementia caregiving?

It’s crucial to be honest with ourselves about where we stand mentally and emotionally when caring for someone with dementia. The grief that comes with caring for a person who is no longer the individual you once knew can be overwhelming, especially when their behavior changes so drastically.
I highly recommend that every dementia caregiver seek professional support, including a therapist and a support group. If you don’t have a strong personal support system, it can be incredibly isolating.

Others often struggle to truly understand what you’re going through unless they’ve walked in your shoes. Connecting with others in similar situations can be incredibly validating and normalizing.

Further, knowing when to ask for help is vital. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance when you need it—it’s essential for both your well-being and the care you provide.

Question 3: How do you see AI tools supporting caregivers and people with dementia, and are there specific AI advancements you think could make a meaningful difference in dementia care?

I think the biggest way in which AI can help is by making education and resources more accessible.

Question 4: As we honor caregivers this month, what are some key ways families can best support their loved ones with dementia while also caring for themselves?

It’s essential to utilize the resources available to you when caring for someone with dementia. Today, numerous virtual activities can engage your loved one, relieving you of the pressure to entertain them all day long.

Further, day programs can provide a wonderful opportunity for your loved one to enjoy their day and interact with like-minded individuals. Home care companies also offer services that include activities and companionship, which can be a great support.

Above all, be kind to yourself. Caregiving is an incredibly challenging, often thankless job, and it’s vital to acknowledge the grief you may be experiencing. Taking small breaks, even just for 10 or 15 minutes, is crucial for your well-being.

Question 5: What are your top strategies to help families navigate the holidays to ensure that their loved ones with dementia feel comfortable, engaged, and included?

My top suggestion for the holidays is to focus on what you can actually enjoy. There’s no need to go all out or feel pressured to exceed expectations. Instead, create new traditions that work with your current situation.

People with dementia can become easily overstimulated by large crowds or too much noise, so it’s important to consider this when planning events. You might want to organize something with just your loved one or set up a quiet space they can retreat to if things become overwhelming.

Remember, they don’t need to be involved in everything. If an event is too much, it’s okay not to include them.

I also recommend keeping gatherings short, aiming for 30 to 60 minutes instead of extended hours. It’s about making the experience more manageable and enjoyable for everyone involved.

In Conclusion

In this insightful conversation, Joanna LaFleur emphasizes the importance of creating a daily routine, simplifying tasks, and ensuring effective communication.

She advocates for adapting the environment for safety and using memory aids, while also encouraging caregivers to maintain their emotional well-being by seeking support and knowing when to ask for help.

LaFleur highlights the value of utilizing resources such as virtual activities, day programs, and home care services, especially during challenging times like the holidays.