Having Dementia Should not Stop us From Helping Out.

Most of us like to help other people when they need assistance, and people with dementia are no different. Sometimes when people come into a residential situation, they are very opposed to trying out, or engaging in, new activities. There can be a variety of reasons for this.

Maybe they find their new situation a bit daunting and try to blend into the background. Some people also come from a home situation where everything has been done for them. They are not used to taking the initiative to do new things.

By asking people to help you with a task, rather than doing something just for the sake of it, you might find a way to engage a person with dementia or depression in an activity. We all need regular physical, mental, and social stimulation to function well. Being of assistance to others makes us feel good and useful.

It may be setting the table for dinner, drying some dishes, or watering the flowers. You might ask for help with folding the laundry or any other task that you think the person might like to help with.

It might take a little longer than if you did it on your own, but it is so well worth it if you can get someone to show interest in a task that is achievable for them. It is also a good way of bonding with somebody if you are new in their life as a caregiver.

Maria Brady