Practical Approaches for Caregivers Managing Changes

A recent New York Times article offers compassionate insights for managing the personality and mood changes that often accompany dementia. These shifts can be challenging, but the article highlights five practical strategies to support both caregivers and loved ones:

1. Understanding why mood changes happen: Mood changes are often caused by damage to parts of the brain that control emotions, focus, and behavior. Recognizing these root causes can make it easier to empathize and respond effectively.
2. Using the DICE method: This structured approach involves four steps—Describe the behavior, Investigate potential triggers, Create a plan to address the issue, and Evaluate the plan’s effectiveness.
3. Prioritizing tone over truth: A calm, reassuring tone and redirection (even gentle fibbing) can help diffuse stressful situations and prevent unnecessary distress.
4. Boosting mood with light: Bright light therapy has been shown to improve sleep patterns and overall mood, providing a simple yet effective tool for daily care.
5. Reducing boredom: Engaging activities can help prevent mood swings often triggered by boredom or inactivity.

For the full article (subscription required), visit When Dementia Changes a Loved One’s Personality on the New York Times website.

At Griswold, we understand that care is deeply personal. We take pride in referring compassionate Caregivers who can meet your family’s unique needs, offering services such as companionship, homemaking, 24-hour care, and more. Whether you’re looking for extra help with daily tasks or specialized care, we’re here to support you.

We invite you to explore our services and reach out to discuss how we can assist you and your loved ones. Let’s work together to ensure your loved one receives the care and attention they deserve.