Dementia and resistance to care
When people are suffering with dementia, this can result in them resisting help and support. Resistance to care is very common and can be distressing for both the sufferer and their family. So, what can you do when someone refuses care?
It’s an important part of our carers’ remit to respect the rights and dignity of someone suffering with dementia. As our team are trained in dementia care, they can often make progress in difficult situations when people are resisting care.
People sometimes respond more positively to a care worker than a family member. We often find people react differently when faced with a uniform, a patient attitude or kind words. Our carers understand how to look after someone with dementia and the impact on their carers’ wellbeing.
Carers strain
We recently visited an hourly care client who was experiencing significant carers’ strain, which was affecting her relationship with her loved one. Our South Leicestershire hourly care lead, Lisa Colver, visited their home, provided advice, and chatted to the family member. As a result of Lisa’s team’s care support, the client’s relationship with her loved has improved significantly, and they now enjoy each other’s company.
There are different strategies when it comes to helping a dementia sufferer who is resistant to care. It is worth remembering that although they might refuse care, dementia sufferers need assistance. They may argue with illogical reasoning, but this is all part of the condition.
Strategies for dementia care
Dementia comes in many different forms, such as Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy body (LBD) and more. There are often similarities in terms of deteriorating cognitive function, which later on in a sufferer’s life, leads to a physical decline. It is important to get the right level of care in place at an early stage to support the dementia sufferer and prevent carers’ strain.
Logic and reasoning can become skewed from a dementia sufferer’s perspective. This often results in frustrating situations where a carer is trying to help but they’re being resisted. It’s important to avoid arguing with someone with dementia. High emotions can worsen the sufferer’s condition, so try to stay calm with a level, clear voice when you’re communicating.
Consider the reasons why someone is resisting care. It’s important to know the person’s history and background, as old memories can arise causing emotional distress. There might be a simple explanation for their reaction, which can be resolved when understood.
Pick your battles and learn the timings each day when the sufferer is likely to be at their most relaxed. Many dementia sufferers experience “sundowning” when they become increasingly tired and stressed late afternoon. Brains affected by dementia often work better in the morning, so you might discover that 10am is a good time for making care suggestions. For more guidance, the Alzheimer’s Association has various resources on their website.
Do you have a close family member with dementia who’s resisting care? Our team can visit you for a friendly chat about your situation. Promedica24 specialises in dementia care and offers a flexible hourly home care service in Blaby and Lutterworth, South Leicestershire.
For more details, please email Lisa Colver: L.Colver@promedica24.co.uk
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