Handling Challenging Discussions
Caretaker’s often face challenging situations created by demands or accusations by patients. Alzheimer’s or other dementia’s may cause loss of memory and reasoning ability that results in such issues.
For example a 70 year old may insist on going to visit their mother, or ask for a spouse who has passed away. It would be cruel to tell them that the person has died, and this kind of truthful and rational reply would not resolve anything. A better way to manage would be to distract attention. A possible statement could be, “We can do that later, just now its better to watch this programme on TV because it is one that I know you like.” Of course the same solution will not work for different people, But the harsher solution of serving up reality is guaranteed to fail every time.
Accusations of theft of items, or that something has been misplaced or broken by somebody are also frustrating for the caregiver. In such cases it is important to not react with anger. A reassurance that everything will be okay, and has been taken care of should be the best way to manage.
Saying “no” may not be the right way to manage these challenging discussions. Instead an approach that says, “Yes, that will be done, its good you thought of it. Lets do this other thing just now,.” may be a better way of managing the conversation. Proving the patient wrong, or implying that their statement is stupid will be counter productive.
Remember, the caregiver’s emotions do affect the patient even if they are only visible in body language or expressions. Maintaining a calm and positive mindset will go a long way in easing the challenges of being a caregiver.
For example a 70 year old may insist on going to visit their mother, or ask for a spouse who has passed away. It would be cruel to tell them that the person has died, and this kind of truthful and rational reply would not resolve anything. A better way to manage would be to distract attention. A possible statement could be, “We can do that later, just now its better to watch this programme on TV because it is one that I know you like.” Of course the same solution will not work for different people, But the harsher solution of serving up reality is guaranteed to fail every time.
Accusations of theft of items, or that something has been misplaced or broken by somebody are also frustrating for the caregiver. In such cases it is important to not react with anger. A reassurance that everything will be okay, and has been taken care of should be the best way to manage.
Saying “no” may not be the right way to manage these challenging discussions. Instead an approach that says, “Yes, that will be done, its good you thought of it. Lets do this other thing just now,.” may be a better way of managing the conversation. Proving the patient wrong, or implying that their statement is stupid will be counter productive.
Remember, the caregiver’s emotions do affect the patient even if they are only visible in body language or expressions. Maintaining a calm and positive mindset will go a long way in easing the challenges of being a caregiver.