We all get anxious sometimes. It’s normal. Often it seems that people who live with dementia experience anxiety more than others. Maybe they have more to be anxious about. Maybe they are more sensitive to stimulation or lack of stimulation. Maybe they become more anxious in particular circumstances or at certain times.
Here are 30 tips to reduce anxiety and stress levels of people living with dementia and their care partners:
- minimize medications (and thus their side effects)
- remember: everyone experiences anxiety sometimes
- provide extra full-spectrum light
- track triggers, and reduce them where possible
- avoid anticipating “bad behaviour”
- avoid caffeinated beverages
- avoid alcohol
- stick to routines
- remember: different things work for different people
- remember: what works today may or may not work tomorrow
- avoid agitating television (e.g. Dr. Phil)
- be physically active each day
- don’t be too physically active each day
- help the person living with dementia expend “excess energy”
- suggest an enjoyable activity
- remember: everything is not always “fixable”
- stay calm (but don’t tell them to “calm down”!)
- minimize loud noises
- minimize stimulation
- minimize stress
- go outside
- take a walk
- sit by a window
- offer a snack
- comfort and empathize
- agree and validate
- play calming music
- use touch
- remember: even the best batters strike out
- remember: all things pass
Do you have more tips? I’d love to hear them!
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My Alzheimer's Story 