This is a series of 5 articles about coping strategies, suggested by Truthful Loving Kindness.
I should say reader, at the outset, that I understand that the previous articles may not all be suitable for everyone, all our Dementia’s are different in some way and , you may not be able to use some of the things mentioned for whatever reason and we are all at different points in our journey but I hope it has given you a little insight into ways that we can live with our Dementia.
In general, I would say reader, that it’s what works for you whether you, the person living with Dementia and their carer.
We are all different and you couldn’t draw up one strategy for all of us. If there are 850,000 people with Dementia in the UK, there would need to be 850,000 strategies.
The only thing that should be the same in all coping strategies is respect for our rights under the UN conventions.
You may need to make adjustments around the home, patterned walls and carpets may become a problem as can dark colours, taste changes so the food and drink we like can change, tablet boxes usually enable you to put a weeks tablets in separate compartments and thick curtains to emphasise it is night time, whatever works for you.
Music can be beneficial to a persons mood and can bring out memories of a better time.
Dance can be an enjoyable activity for a person that used to enjoy dancing. As well as evoking memories it can also be seen as a form of activity.
If you are a person living with Dementia or caring for someone with dementia reader, there is no shame in seeking help, you should see it as part of your coping strategy, you may be surprised at how many people are feeling the way you do or may have a solution to a problem you have.
This may just mean joining a support group or online forum. It may be you go to talk to one of the carers charities.
We each have individual needs, likes and dislikes which need to be taken into account when working out a coping strategy.
We can resist change, even at the early stage of Dementia, we may not want to go somewhere new but you may find once we get there, we enjoy it.
We may not be able to express ourselves in ways people are used to, but whatever stage we are in, we are still the same person inside.
We will face challenges from sounds, patterned flooring/walls, communication, taste, sights, walking. memory amongst many others which are normal for our Dementia’s and should not be a source of embarrassment.
We should be accepted for who we are not what we have become. A diagnosis is not the beginning of the end, it is the end of the beginning and we can live within the boundaries of our Dementia’s with the help of coping strategies.
Primarily, a coping strategy should be enabling not disabling, it should enable us to live our lives fully, to continue to do as much as we have done before, within the limits of our Dementia however, it should also be enabling for the person/family who do the caring.
If you are the carer reader, there is no shame in making time for yourself, YOU MUST have time away from our Dementia, as much as is practical.
If you are in that dark place that I was last year reader, take a step back, put strategies in place to live your life, fight for your rights, be who you are now and remember if someone cannot accept you as you are now, it is their problem not yours.
Life is for living, Live your life with Dementia, Whatever the challenges
The pother 4 articles are:
Coping Strategies – Day to Day
Coping Strategies – In the Kitchen
Coping Strategies – Self Esteem
I am not paid or induced in any way to mention any products.
When The Fog Lifts 