As your loved one gets older and begins to deal with dementia, it’s important to remain level-headed and stay calm to ease their stress and anxiety. Here are some suggestions if you're caring for someone who misplaces things or struggles with paranoia and dementia.

Misplacing Things

If your loved one begins to misplace and lose items, keep in mind these suggestions to help relax their worries.

• Offer a simple idea. Retrace their steps with them and provide simple places where the item may have been left.
• Be action-oriented. Take control over the situation and search for the missing item.
• Be reassuring. Remind your loved one that you will find their item and to just be patient, as it will turn up.
• Shift the focus. Offer to do something with your loved one that interests them and will take their mind off of the situation.
• Duplicate. Buy multiples of the items that are repeatedly misplaced.

Experiencing Paranoia

As your loved one gets older, they may experience paranoia with their dementia. While dealing with situations where they feel paranoid, don’t take offense if you are accused or blamed for something that you didn’t do. Validate their emotions if they feel upset and listen to their point of view and reassure your loved one that you are there to help.

Living With Dementia

For more info on coping with paranoia as well as other challenges that can arise with dementia, contact an Ebenezer Memory Community near you or visit our Dimensions Memory Care Program page.

• • Listen. Acknowledge your loved one who is dealing with dementia and validate their feelings.
  • Diffuse. Stay calm and resist arguing with them.
  • Empathize. Observe their triggers and understand what makes them upset and why.