If you’re caring for a senior loved one, you know how difficult it can sometimes be to provide effective care while also respecting their personal autonomy and wishes — especially if they’re suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Seniors with diminished cognitive abilities may refuse to bathe or eat a nutritious meal. So what do you, as their caregiver, do in this situation to keep them safe and healthy but also respect their bodily autonomy?

This is a complex issue that has spurred many medical, scientific, and even philosophical debates, so we won’t claim to have all the answers. But we can provide you with some actionable tips and steps you can take to strike a fair and safe balance.

1. Understand their capacity

The first step is to enlist the help of a healthcare professional to learn the extent of their cognitive impairment. This will help you determine what decisions they can safely make about their life and care.

It’s important to meet with their doctor regularly to reassess, as diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia worsen over time, sometimes suddenly. Over time, they’ll lose more of their ability to make safe choices.

2. Involve them in decision-making

Even with diminished capacity, it’s important to involve seniors in decisions about their care. Explain choices clearly and patiently, and use simplified terms they can understand. If a decision is beyond their capacity to make safely, involve them in the discussion to the extent possible and ensure their preferences are considered.

3. Provide choices

Even simple choices can promote autonomy. Allow your loved one to make decisions about their daily activities, meals, and clothing as much as possible. Narrowing down their choices to a few acceptable options is a great way to let them have a say while also ensuring their decision is appropriate. For example, you could lay out a few different outfits or provide a short list of meals for them to choose from. The key is not to overwhelm them with too many options.

4. Use adaptive communication strategies

For those with cognitive impairment, clear and patient communication is essential. Communicating with someone who has dementia can be challenging and frustrating, and as easy as it can be to get upset, showing anger will only make the situation worse.

So have patience and give them time to understand what you’re saying, and if they are still confused, try rewording your question or using a different approach. Ask questions that require simple answers and break down statements into smaller “chunks” to help them absorb each idea.

5. Create a supportive environment

It’s important for your loved one to feel like they can still do basic things on their own, so adapt their living environment so it’s safe and easy for them to navigate independently. For example, you can install grab bars in the bathroom and near the stairs, install good lighting with easy-to-find switches, and remove trip hazards like rugs and cords.

6. Educate yourself and others

Understanding what your loved one is going through can help you learn how to better communicate with and care for them. So educate yourself about your loved one’s specific condition and share this knowledge with family and friends to ensure everyone interacts with respect, patience, and understanding.

7. Advocate for their wishes

Be an advocate for your loved one’s preferences in medical or care settings. Ensure their past and present wishes are considered in all decisions, particularly in those concerning medical treatment and end-of-life care. While you may ultimately have to go against their wishes for their safety, it’s important to show them that you’re on their side.

8. Provide emotional support

A dementia diagnosis can often lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, and as the disease progresses, they may become fearful, angry, and more emotional in general. So be sure to provide ongoing emotional support by participating in activities they enjoy, reminiscing about their past, and encouraging social interaction. This supports their psychological well-being and helps them feel valued and respected.

Delivering safe, respectful, and ethical care

Caring for a senior loved one with cognitive issues can be ethically complex and requires a careful balance between respecting their autonomy and ensuring their safety. By continually involving them in decisions, adapting strategies to meet their needs, and advocating for their preferences, caregivers can help preserve their loved ones’ dignity and independence, even in challenging circumstances.

Maintaining seniors’ quality of life and dignity is central to Right Hand Senior Care’s mission. It’s why we started and what we strive for with each and every client. Our skilled, professional caregivers understand the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia and are well-trained to provide safe, comprehensive, and ethical care.

Serving as a caregiver for a cognitively impaired loved one is a selfless but challenging role, and it helps to have the support of a dedicated team behind you. So if you need a helping hand, Right Hand Senior Care offers affordable, compassionate in-home care designed around your and your family’s needs.

To learn more about our services or to set up a care plan, contact us today.