While dementia is a challenge for the patient, of course, it’s equally difficult for family caregivers. Memory loss affects a person’s communication skills, and the resulting disconnect creates frustration and resentment. Learn how to care for someone with vascular dementia by following these helpful tips.
Assess and Mitigate Risk Factors
While there’s no treatment for VaD, minimizing stroke risk and vascular damage is the most effective way to mitigate the condition. By encouraging your loved one to exercise, helping them quit smoking, reducing dietary intake of saturated fat and salt, asking them to limit alcohol, and getting their blood pressure and blood fat level measured yearly, you’ll get a leg up on vascular dementia.
Remain Calm
While it’s much easier said than done, staying calm will help you and your loved one cope with vascular dementia. It’s easy—and completely natural—to get frustrated with them when they repeat the same questions and forget the same things countless times every day, but the situation isn’t their fault. Instead of venting your frustration on your family members, exercise, meditate, or practice deep breathing to maintain calm and center yourself.
Put It In Simple Terms
People with vascular dementia and other forms of memory loss often find it difficult to understand complex explanations. Instead of saying, “You can’t have aspirin because it doesn’t mix with your other medications”, tell them they can’t have aspirin because the doctor said “no”. Results are the goal, and the most important thing is to help your loved one achieve the desired result.
Don’t Correct Them
If your family member calls you by the wrong name or uses a different word to refer to something, try not to point out their mistake. Correcting errors only creates feelings of shame and guilt, which won’t do anything to help them feel better. Stay focused on bigger goals, and don’t let minor slip-ups derail you.
Don’t Take Things Personally
When family members become forgetful or make mistakes, let it go because they’re not doing it to provoke you. Even if their vascular dementia has progressed and they’ve forgotten your name, it doesn’t mean their feelings for you have changed. By practicing understanding and acceptance, you’ll foster a closer relationship with your family members and help them cope with the effects of vascular dementia.
Take a Break
Caring for a person with vascular dementia can take a heavy toll on your energy and mood. As a caretaker, scheduled alone time will allow you to recharge your physical and emotional batteries. Take an early morning class at the gym, go for a walk, or sit with a cup of coffee for a few minutes. It’s impossible to pour from an empty cup, and you can’t care for someone else if you’re not taking care of yourself.
Help Your Loved One and Help Yourself
Caring for a person with vascular dementia is a gesture of love and sacrifice. Dealing with the condition presents several challenges to caregivers, but it also gives them a chance to get to know their relatives better. By following the tips in our guide, you can give your loved one the care and attention they deserve.
