Importance Of The Approach with someone who has Dementia
Though much of this came naturally to Paige and I happened to learn over the years, I often had to teach other caregivers how to approach Momma Lynn. We know that many visual changes come along with a diagnosis of Dementia. As the disease progress, a person with brain changes in the field of vision gets smaller and smaller until it reaches tunnel vision. This is why creating comfortable ways to approach the person you're caring for is important. It became much easier to catch Mommy off guard, so a slow approach, and bending down to her level so her eyes could meet yours allowed Mommy to feel like she still had some control. Allowing her to feel like she still had autonomy over her space is what's most important. If squatting or getting to your knees is difficult then taking a seat next to the person you're caring for may help to make that connection. Just remember that quick-paced sporadic movement will only cause more stress. So think about how you would like to feel in your most vulnerable state and apply those skills to those you care for.
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