7/3/13 Managing early Dementia During early stages of dementia, it may appear that the person is mismanaging money, can no longer drive safely or operate the stove. It is difficult for the caregiver to know when and how much to take over…or how to start. These actions of independence being taken away will most likely be painful for everyone involved. This section discusses the feelings and why taking these actions of independence are necessary in order to keep the person with dementia safe. The book recommends evaluation from a professional as the first step to this process. A professional evaluation gives you the authority to insist on necessary changes. But, if you are in the same boat as us: our “authority” doesn’t mean a hill of beans. So read on….If this is not feasible, or if the person refuses it: the family members need to analyze each task as thoroughly and as objectively as possible to determine what specific tasks the person can and cannot do. As the person is losing their independence, their abilities and their minds it is understandable that they will cling tightly to what they do still have. Whenever I start feeling frustrated, I try to put myself in their place: think about the loss of all these functions; have empathy. It may be hard to take their independence, but its even harder for them to lose it; especially since they may not understand why it is being taken away. Its not so much that they are denying they can no longer cook; they simply do not remember that they burned the kitchen or put a plastic bowl in the oven. They may accept the loss of their driving, but not accept that they can no longer use the stove. Accepting these losses may also force the person to face the extent of their loss of ability. That is a hard hit as well.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 03:30:57 +0000
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