Ways to help reduce a dementia sufferer’s restlessness and anxiety…

April 17th, 2012 No Comments

If you are actively involved with NJ elder care and your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, you are familiar with their tendency to become anxious or restless at times. Below are some tips to help calm them down.

  • Keep activities uncomplicated and simple–break down tasks one step at a time
  • Make plans to do something every day–taking a walk or doing household chores
  • Make sure there’s not a physical reason for their restlessness–are they in pain or do they need something to eat?
  • Have a routine–try to keep to a daily routine with meals, bathing, spending time outside, etc.
  • Unclutter the environment–turn down the TV and radio, remove clutter in the home, keep visitors down to a minimum
  • Offer reassurance–hold their hand, give the person a hug, tell the person you care about them, have a pet visit them
  • Get the doctor’s advice–the physician may know of medications which may help reduce anxiety
  • Stay calm–never argue with the person; keep your voice calm and even, speak in short, clear sentences
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