Dementia care: guide gives how-to advice for families

Posted at 4:30 p.m. on November 15, 2017

The Brillion News

MADISON – Health officials released “Dementia Capable Wisconsin: A guide for family caregivers,” a new online resource for caregivers of family members with dementia.

Approximately 110,000 people in Wisconsin are living with dementia. This resource offers guidance for family members, friends, and loved ones so they can offer the best support and also stay healthy themselves.

At coming holiday gatherings, families may notice potential dementia symptoms among family members they haven’t seen in a while. The guide offers information about what’s happening to these older family members and can help families determine the next steps needed to keep these relatives safe.

A practical, hands-on resource, the on-line guide includes very short videos showing ways caregivers can interact and assist these family members, including how to:

1. Physically approach someone with dementia.

2. Use reminiscence to redirect them.

3. Respond to repeated questions and other symptoms of the disease.

4. Deal with a family member with dementia who wants to leave their residence, among other real life situations caregivers face.

The guide also provides basic information about dementia and helps caregivers understand the behavior changes family members may exhibit and learn techniques for managing these changes. To help with the emotional impact of caring for a family member with dementia, the guide offers tips on self-care for caregivers.

Information about Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, and local resources and services, can be found on the DHS website.