Anxiety experienced by those with dementia individuals can lead to nervousness, worry, or fear of being left alone or away from caregivers. Dementia typically causes these symptoms when the brain changes, making it harder for those with dementia to recognize their caregivers or family members and process what is happening around them. Many of those diagnosed with dementia also tend to feel unsafe in their own households or forget what they have just done.
As a result, the individual with dementia may have a fear of being left alone and want to check things repeatedly. It is, however, possible to efficiently cope with this dementia and fear. Read on to find out more about some successful and efficient strategies to beat the fear of being alone in dementia.
Involve Other Trusted People
Having another person or two with you while you go take care of your loved one’s daily routine will allow him/her to start trusting someone else other than you. As you build trust, the person will be more confident that there is always a lifeline available, even if you need to step away.
Embrace Distractions
If your loved one starts to take part in an activity that helps to relieve you of some chores, it may help you gain a brief period of rest. If you want to engage your loved one in repetitive activities, get them to sort silverware or nuts and bolts, fold napkins, file papers, or do anything else you think will be enjoyable for them.
By embracing these distractions, your loved one will feel that they are being productive and helpful to you. Better still, you get a handy pair of helping hands around the house.
Create a Recording of Yourself
When you’re not by their side, your loved ones can also be soothed by listening to or watching something you recorded for them. You might record yourself reading their favorite book on tape or digitally. Alternatively, you might record yourself singing while doing household chores. Often, just hearing or seeing you is enough to get them through times of separation.
Keep Conflicts at Bay
It is possible that individuals diagnosed with dementia may become angry or combative to express their discomfort with being alone. Whatever your loved one says, it is vital that you do not quarrel or correct them. Validating a person’s feelings is always the appropriate response. You should also distract them from the fear of you leaving. For instance, try pointing out a pretty flower in the garden, offering them a favorite drink or snack, or asking them to help you with a made-up task as you walk together.
The Separation Period Should be Clarified
Individuals with Alzheimer’s often lose a sense of time, so letting them know you’ll just be away for a minute might not make a big difference. To keep yourself separated for a short time, use a standard kitchen timer. Tell them to hold onto the timer and explain that when it dings, you’ll return shortly.
Conclusion
It will be helpful to choose reputed dementia care professionals to rest assured that your loved ones are in the hands of exceptional caregivers who keenly understand such critical memory conditions and offer the finest possible treatments according to their specific medical needs.
