Dementia is a broad term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities, severe enough to interfere with daily life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about 5.8 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of dementia. Sadly, individuals living with the symptoms of dementia can feel disoriented, anxious, and disconnected. Their loved ones and caregivers can feel the same way. If you have a loved one who requires dementia care, there is new hope in the power of positivity.
Recent studies have proven that positivity can make a painful and frustrating time more manageable and even joyful. Within dementia care, incorporating positivity means maintaining or creating a more uplifting environment. That includes cheerful interactions that can considerably enhance the well-being of an individual living with dementia.
Creating and Maintaining a Positive Dementia Care Environment
A positive environment is more than simply keeping surroundings clean and safe. A truly positive dementia care environment nurtures the emotional well-being of a person living with dementia. It makes them feel supported, secure, calm, and comfortable. In addition to boosting mood, a positive environment helps reduce confusion and agitation. But how do you create that positive environment?
- Avoiding competing noises such as having the radio and TV on at the same time
- Staying still when you are talking makes it easier for someone with dementia to follow what you are saying
- Maintaining a routine to minimize confusion
- Assuring that everyone has a consistent approach using the same style of communication—repeating messages in the same way
- Eliminating stressors like clutter
- Incorporating comforting elements such as familiar and much-loved objects
The Effects of Positivity in a Dementia Care Environment
Talking with a person with dementia takes thoughtfulness, consideration, and patience. Positivity should always be present, whether it is a quick chat or a meaningful conversation. When you talk to a person with dementia, try to:
- speak in a calm, gentle, and matter-of-fact way.
- add facial expressions and hand gestures to make yourself better understood.
- gently touch or hold the person’s hand to help keep their attention and show that you care.
- use short and simple sentences, centering on one idea at a time.
- practice patience and allow time for what you have said to be processed and understood.
- incorporate orienting names or labels whenever you can, such as “Your daughter, Mary.”
- exercise active listening and show understanding, emphasizing that their feelings are heard and important.
- remember that a warm smile and shared laughter can communicate more than words can.
Ways to Create a Positive Environment
Caring for someone with dementia is far more than meeting their medical needs. What you are doing is enhancing their quality of life in many big and small ways. To help with that, here are some ways to introduce positivity into your loved one’s daily routine.
- Foster both physical and cognitive health by encouraging regular exercise and mentally stimulating activities
- Celebrate small victories by acknowledging and applauding even minor accomplishments, giving a boost to both self-esteem and joy
- Engage in safe and meaningful activities that your loved one enjoys, from baking cookies to folding laundry
- Encourage social interactions with family, friends, and neighbors to sustain that support system and combat isolation
Common Misconceptions About Dementia
There are many misconceptions around dementia care that keep positivity from blooming and can lead to poor approaches to care. That is why we want to share some common questions everyone should know the answers to.
- Is dementia a normal part of aging? No. Aging is a risk factor for dementia, but it is far from an inevitable part of getting older.
- Do individuals living with dementia have awareness and perception? Yes. Notwithstanding memory loss, people living with dementia can perceive emotions and often have a sense of their surroundings.
- Do individuals with dementia always experience negative emotions? No. The struggle with dementia can, of course, bring on feelings of frustration or sadness. However, individuals with dementia can perceive, and need, positive emotions and experiences just like we do.
The Real Impact of Positivity on Well-Being in the Dementia Care Environment
The happy truth is that small changes make a big difference in life and dementia care. As we work to cultivate positivity and joy, we also gain a new perspective. Frustration will ease, and you will learn to celebrate those moments where positivity spills over into smiles and laughter. At the same time, you will learn that positivity is much more than just creating moments. It enhances mood, reduces anxiety, and even stimulates cognitive function. It also creates healthy interactions filled with respect, patience, and warmth, profoundly impacting the well-being of all involved.
Creating Moments of Positivity and Joy When Caring for Someone with Dementia
Living with dementia is undeniably challenging, but the power of positivity can ease the burden and make the most of every day. It can start with the smallest of changes. As you gain the tools needed to cherish and celebrate moments together, you will discover joy around every corner.
At The Cabana at Jensen Dunes in Jensen Beach, FL, we know firsthand the power of positivity in the dementia care environment. Positivity, compassion, and patience are vital in every dementia journey and are true superpowers. Within our memory care community, we make sure all caregivers and family members know this. We also help our residents and their loved ones create special moments no matter where they are on their dementia care journey. You do not have to navigate dementia alone. If you have questions, call us at 772-753-1003 or contact us. We are happy to help in any way we can!