When you're caring for a family member with some form of dementia, it's easy to quickly get frustrated with the situation. You may get aggravated that your loved one now seems like a shadow of himself or herself, for example, and you're hardly to blame. You need to try, however, to avoid getting upset at your loved one — after all, he or she cannot control this health predicament. Even if you're doing your best to hide your upset, your words or actions may inadvertently convey the message that your family member is wrong. Here are some ways to avoid doing so.

Try To Avoid Unnecessary Corrections

A family member with dementia will often make surprising decisions, including many with which you may not agree. As long as these decisions don't threaten anyone's safety, it's ideal if you can try to avoid unnecessarily correcting the patient. For example, if you're helping your loved one get dressed and he or she indicates a desire to wear a plaid shirt with striped pants, your first instinct might be to say that this is a poor fashion choice. The result, though, can be that your family member feels wrong. A unique fashion sense is hardly a major concern, and keeping your mouth shut in this instance can send a positive, supportive message.

Let Him Or Her Make Decisions

Some dementia patients need help with making decisions, but if your loved one is capable of suggesting things, try to follow his or her lead. Doing so is a way to make the dementia patient feel empowered, and is better than asking a question and then shooting it down. For example, when you visit your loved one, ask what he or she would like to do — and be sure to allow enough time for the patient to make up his or her mind. Sometimes, the ideas will seem unorthodox, such as getting a snack soon after eating. However, you can generally go along with such ideas.

Verbally Affirm His/Her Comments

Dementia patients can often get small details wrong, and may even make up stories entirely. There's little harm in affirming these comments, as doing so will help the family member to feel good, rather than wrong. The patient may be telling a story about an interaction with a friend — even though the interaction was actually with you. Saying "That's a good story" and "Good remembering that funny story" can be an effective way to respond.

Contact a company like Wellspring Meadows Assisted Living for more information and assistance. 

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