Being a caretaker for an elderly loved one can be both rewarding and exhausting at the same time. In particular, providing care to someone with dementia can be challenging, as they may be easily confused and even resentful of their caregivers.
For those who have never experienced caregiving before, it can be difficult to understand how to manage a situation when a senior with dementia is displaying resentful behaviour.
In this blogpost, we will explore the art of caregiving by discussing the strategies and tips that can be applied to deal with resentful seniors with dementia.
It takes a great deal of patience, understanding, and compassion to provide support and care for a senior with dementia.
As these individuals often find themselves in unfamiliar situations and in a state of confusion, being understanding and patient is key to providing a safe and comfortable environment.
The art of caregiving is to ensure the elderly feel secure and show them that there are others who are willing to provide help and support. It’s important to take the time to listen to their concerns and issues and to be aware of the signs of distress.
The best way to approach dealing with a resentful senior with dementia is to understand that the individual is still capable of feeling emotions and might be overwhelmed due to the changes they are facing.
It’s also important to remember that aggression is a symptom of dementia and not a sign of disrespect or discourtesy.
By showing patience, sympathy, understanding and compassion, caregivers can learn the skills needed to help seniors with dementia remain calm and comfortable.
The Impact of Dementia on Seniors
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a decline in cognitive functioning in seniors. It can affect memory, communication, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
It is important to understand the impact of dementia on seniors in order to provide the best possible care. People living with dementia can experience feelings of confusion, fear, and frustration as well as changes in their behaviour.
This may manifest itself as irritability, mood swings, and even aggression. As dementia progresses, seniors may become less able to make decisions, take care of themselves, or interact with others.
This can be a difficult time for seniors and their families. It is important to remember that dementia is a progressive condition and that it is not the senior’s fault. It is important to provide emotional support and be understanding of any changes in behaviour.
Understanding and Responding to Resentment of Caregivers
It is understandable for a senior with dementia to feel resentment towards their caregivers, as they may be confused by the new situation and frustrated by their own limitations.
It is important to remember that this is not the senior’s fault and to respond with patience and understanding. It is also important to be aware of the signs of distress in order to be able to respond appropriately and in a timely manner.
It is also important for caregivers to be aware of their own feelings and reactions to the situation. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the changes in the senior’s behaviour, but it is important to remember that this is a difficult time for them as well.
It is important to remain patient and compassionate and to focus on creating a supportive environment for the senior.
Here are a few tips to help deal with resentmen as a caregiver:
Effective Communication
- Communication with a senior with dementia can be difficult as they may not be able to express their needs clearly.
- Be patient and to use a calm and kind voice when speaking to them.
- Use simple wording and to give them time to process the information.
- Also try to use gestures and facial expressions to help convey meaning.
- Additionally, caregivers should strive to limit distractions and provide a safe and comfortable environment. It is also important to give the senior time to respond. Caregivers should be aware that people with dementia may not always be able to express their feelings in words and may need a bit of extra time to process.
Identifying and Overcoming inner Feelings
It is important for caregivers to be aware of their own feelings when providing care to a senior with dementia.
Caregivers may feel overwhelmed or resentful of the situation, but it is important to recognize these feelings and address them in a healthy way.
This may involve taking a break or talking to a friend or family member about the situation. There’s no use trying to look after someone who resents you when you don’t fully acknowldege why.
The caregiver needs to make peace within themselves concerning the situation. We may not always be able to control the reaction of the person we are looking after but we can control how we respond to it.
Allow yourself to understand that you are not the enemy and neither does your ward mean it intentionally. Self awarenes is your first and most important step to a healthy caretaker-patient relationship. With time, it does gets better.
Finding the Right Balance of Care and Independence for Seniors with Dementia
It is important for caregivers to find the right balance between providing care and allowing the senior to remain independent. This can be a difficult task, as seniors with dementia may need more help than those without.
Caregivers should strive to provide assistance when needed while still allowing the senior to have some independence. Encourage the senior to take part in activities that they find enjoyable and be happy.
Caregivers should also be aware that seniors with dementia may have difficulty with decision-making or problem-solving.
So give them time to make a choice, don’t rush things. This may involve providing guidance and support while allowing the senior to make their own decisions, as well as respecting their wishes and providing reassurance.
Setting Boundaries and Respecting Seniors’ Dignity
No one wants to feel as though they’re not being respected. Moreso an Elderly that finds himself in such a difficult situation. Respect the senior and allow him/her their sense of Pride or dignity.
Caregivers should set boundaries and to respect the senior’s dignity. You can provide guidance and support while respecting the senior’s wishes.
Create an environment that allows the senior to feel secure and respected. Be constantly aware of the senior’s needs and to provide appropriate care.
They may need help and support but they still want to feel like human beings that can contribute something useful no matter how little.
Creating a Supportive Environment for Seniors with Dementia
Creating a supportive environment for seniors with dementia is essential to providing the best possible care. It is important to provide emotional support, listen to their concerns, and address any issues that arise in a timely manner.
One useful way to do this is by incorportaing games, seesions and activities that will encourage residents to be creative. Allow them to find a sense of purpose and pursuit of something meaningful.
It may not include running for Mayor but somehting as simple as leading the card game top scores can be quite fulfilling. Elderlys in such an environment will feel safe and important and less resentful.
By doing so, caregiving for seniors with dementia can be a rewarding experience that provides the elderly with the support they need to live a happy and fulfilled life.
At Braeburn, we wantr Seniors to discover a whole new world filled with joy and new possibilities. You can give us a call for further advice on how to deal with resentment.