Day: February 17, 2025

Person living with dementia may struggle to understand the words you say, but they will always pick up on how you say them. The emotions behind your words speak volumes. Your attitude, facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language all play a crucial role in how your message is received. Even if your words are unclear to them, your feelings and intentions can still be understood.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Caregiving

Understanding emotional intelligence is essential when caring for someone with dementia. It helps you recognize and manage both your emotions and the emotions of the person you are caring for, ensuring your communication is more effective and compassionate.

Give Your Full Attention

If you’re a caregiver, focusing solely on tasks like ensuring the person with dementia has eaten or taken their medicine is not enough. It’s important to connect with them on a deeper level.

Here’s how you can do this effectively:

• Engage in conversation: Include the person with dementia in meaningful exchanges, even if the dialogue is simple.

• Use non-verbal cues: Smile, make eye contact, and adopt an open posture to communicate warmth and care. The importance of body language in dementia care cannot be overstated as non-verbal cues speak volumes..

• Show patience and empathy: Be understanding and supportive, even if the conversation or activity takes longer than expected..

Avoid distractions like texting or checking your emails during these interactions. When you give your undivided attention, it shows that you value them as a person, not just as someone to care for. Small gestures of connection can make a big difference in creating a sense of comfort and understanding.

Caring for someone with dementia involves understanding a variety of behaviors, such as repeating phrases, hoarding items, or following their caregiver around. These actions often reflect fear, insecurity, or a need for comfort. Dementia can also lead to impulsive speech or swearing due to a loss of impulse control. While these behaviors can be challenging, they are not intentional. Responding with patience and reassurance helps create a safe, calm environment for both the caregiver and the person with dementia.

Why Dementia Can Lead to Physical Aggression

Physical aggression often signals distress. A person may feel scared, confused, or frustrated, expressing these emotions by hitting, biting, or scratching. Since verbal communication can be difficult, these actions should be seen as a cry for help from those displaying challenging behaviors in dementia. Providing reassurance and emotional understanding can help caregivers address the root cause of the behavior.

• Hoarding behavior: Moving or hiding items stems from a desire to keep things safe. Instead of confronting them, caregivers can retrieve items later when the person is distracted.

• Paranoia: Suspicious thoughts, like believing someone is stealing or harming them, are common. Avoid arguing; instead, offer reassurance and redirect their focus.

• Hallucinations: These can range from comforting to frightening. Gently acknowledge their feelings and guide their attention to something calming.

Wandering: A Form of Communication

Wandering is one of the more common challenging behaviors in dementia, often reflecting underlying needs, such as boredom, hunger, or a desire for companionship. It can even provide benefits, such as promoting mobility and reducing restlessness, as long as it’s done safely.

Caregivers should focus on understanding the reasons behind wandering while ensuring safety.
Ask yourself:

• Is the person looking for a friend or family member?

• Do they feel unsafe or insecure?

• Could they need companionship or reassurance?

• Are they restless, bored, or in need of a physical outlet?

• Might they be hungry, thirsty, in pain, or in need of the bathroom?

By considering these possibilities, caregivers can better respond to wandering in a compassionate and helpful way.

Responding with Patience and Understanding

Every behavior is a form of communication. For instance, repetition in dementia or wandering often signals unmet needs or emotions. By recognizing the meaning behind these actions and staying calm, caregivers can create a supportive environment. Nonverbal communication, like a warm smile or gentle touch, can also help convey reassurance and patience.

Focusing on safety, emotional understanding, and providing comfort can transform caregiving into a more positive experience for everyone involved.