The foundational principles that guide care for individuals living with dementia are known as the Three Golden Rules. They assist caregivers in providing high-quality care by emphasizing the importance of compassion, respect, and individualized care. By following these rules, those people living with dementia have an overall better well-being. What are the three golden rules of dementia?
- “See the person, not the disease.”
- “Communicate with patience and respect.”
- “Provide a supportive and safe environment.”
See the Person, Not the Disease
This golden rule shows the importance of treating people living with dementia as individuals, not just their disease and the diagnosis they have been given. This disease changes how a person thinks, acts, functions, and behaves, so it can be hard to remember that it doesn’t erase their identity or unique qualities.
This rule allows healthcare providers and caregivers to focus on the person’s life story, preferences, and personality rather than only seeing them for their symptoms and impairments. When a person with dementia notices their abilities begin to decline, they often feel misunderstood. It’s important for them to feel their dignity is being preserved and to still feel like a human. Focusing on this rule allows caregivers to do just that for these patients.
Providing personalized care is one of the ways that healthcare providers and caregivers can help patients feel they are more than their disease. It’s important to take the time to learn their interests, history, likes, and dislikes. Even if their short-term memory has been affected, a person with dementia may remember the food they like, important life events, and things they enjoyed doing in their past.
Caregivers should also take the time to listen to the person and be sure to make eye contact when they are telling them things. Making connections and communicating with them with a warm and genuine demeanor can help them feel heard and safe. Giving them opportunities to still actively engage in activities that reflect their interests can also give them a sense of purpose and belonging.
Communicate with Patience and Respect
Although people with dementia have many challenges, communication is one of the biggest ones. The patient may not be able to use words to communicate their wants and needs anymore, but there are non-verbal ways they can let you know how they feel. It’s important to make them feel heard, and letting them know their need for connection remains helps do just that.
When they feel misunderstood, frustration can arise. By providing them with patience and respectful communication, you are fostering them with trust and better emotional well-being. It can also reduce their anxiety. Being patient is crucial, as it often takes people with dementia longer to respond to questions, process information, and recall memories.
Using simple, short phrases when communicating with people who have dementia is helpful. Be sure to speak slowly so they have ample time to process what you have said. If they are unable to speak, pay attention to other cues, such as their body language and facial expressions. To convey your understanding, providing them with a smile and eye contact can let them know that you care.
Although it can be hard, if these patients say something that is incorrect, avoid correcting them and criticizing what they have said. It is more important to always keep the interaction positive.
Providing a Supportive and Safe Environment
Creating a physical and emotional environment that fosters comfort, well-being, and safety is the focus of the third golden rule. Those living with dementia often struggle with orientation, memory, and mobility, which increases their vulnerability to accidents and confusion. Providing a supportive and safe environment reduces the risks of these accidents, and promotes a better quality of life for these patients.
Not only does a safe and secure environment prevent physical harm, but it also reduces agitation in people living with dementia. Caregivers can help these people keep a sense of control by tailoring their environment to their particular needs. Making the space as homelike as possible keeps them feeling comfortable within their environment.
Safety is always a concern for those living with dementia, so it is important to minimize hazards such as those that could cause someone to trip or fall. Reducing clutter and providing extra support with handlebars are easy ways to help with this.
Having a routine is also important for people with dementia. Giving them a predictable schedule helps reduce anxiety and prevents disorientation. Within their schedule, it’s important to give opportunities for mental stimulation to provide opportunities for engagement.
FAQs
Q: What Are Signs Dementia Is Getting Worse?
A: There are many signs that dementia is getting worse, and these signs can come on slowly or suddenly, depending on the patient. These signs include difficulty remembering things, trouble making decisions, difficulty communicating, inability to conquer daily tasks, less rational thinking, increased anxiety, hallucinations, physical changes, incontinence, behavioral changes, and loss of appetite.
Q: What Is the Number One Trigger for Dementia Behavior?
A: Although there are many triggers for dementia behavior, the one that often causes the most damage is a change in environment or routine. This can also include a change in the people they see on a normal basis. Keeping things simple and on track with their daily routine helps keep their anxiety down, which often keeps their dementia behavior at bay.
Q: What Are Three Things to Never Do With Your Loved One With Dementia?
A: There are many things you should avoid doing with your loved one who is living with dementia. You shouldn’t rush or overwhelm them, avoid arguing or correcting them, and do not dismiss their feelings. Instead, you should be patient, use simple sentences, provide support, and keep things positive.
Q: What Morning Habits Increase Dementia?
A: Skipping breakfast is one of the main habits that increase dementia. By not eating breakfast, people often feel cranky and tired because breakfast helps you concentrate and stay active. Other habits that increase your risk for dementia are excessive napping, poor diet, dehydration, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of sleep, and ruminating on the negative.
Get in Touch With Highlands Ranch Memory Care
Highlands Ranch memory care follows the Three Golden Rules of Dementia when caring for our patients. We understand the importance of communicating with patience, keeping them safe, and treating them as a person rather than their diagnosis. Our team is trained to foster positive relationships with our patients and provide resources for family members and loved ones.
Contact us today if you need help with a loved one who is living with dementia. Whether they are in the beginning phases or have progressed rapidly, we are here to help.