Calming Anxiety
Dementia can impair cognitive functions like memory, reasoning, and emotional regulation, which may contribute to perseveration and feelings of confusion and fear. Recognizing and soothing anxiety in someone living with dementia requires a compassionate, patient, and individualized approach.
Our Creative Engagement Specialists have the expertise to help calm and manage anxiety.
We implement person-centered and tailored strategies such as:
- Observing, identifying, and addressing situations that may trigger anxiety
- Incorporating familiar activities that bring a sense of calm & joy such as music, hobbies, and sensory activities.
- Creating a safe, engaging space that encourages a sense of control, choice, empowerment, and personal autonomy.
- Recognizing and addressing any pain, discomfort, or other underlying issues that may exacerbate anxiety.
- Providing one-on-one attention, validation and offering reassurance.
RESULTS: Reduced anxiety with nurturing a safe, familiar presence through patience, routine, clear communication, and maximizing comfort.
TESTIMONIAL & EXAMPLES:
“Aging Wisdom’s Creative Engagement program helps to alleviate the anxiety often seen in loved ones living with cognitive issues. My own loved one from has vascular dementia and is as happy as can be, surely because he is surrounded by caring individuals who help to stimulate his mind.” - Nephew of CE Client
A recent move from home to an assisted living apartment caused extreme anxiety for one client. She felt she had lost her autonomy and independence. With regular visits from a Creative Engagement Specialist (CES), the client received one-on-one attention to express her frustrations and receive validation. CES helped the client to reduce clutter, organize a music player, and hang her favorite art on the walls. The client’s anxiety was reduced when she felt more at home in her new apartment with her art & music, as well as had a routine visit to talk and problem-solve her concerns.
Lifelong anxiety and mental health struggles can be exacerbated by ill health and loneliness. One client found herself to be more anxious as she grew older. She continued to see her mental health professional and added a Creative Engagement Specialist visit. CES encouraged outings for fresh air and breaking the cycle of anxiety within the client’s home. CES and the client would take walks in which the client could share her concerns and CES would validate her feelings. They visited familiar places that brought back memories of happier times. After weeks of regular visits, the client could engage with her family more healthily as she was receiving direct attention and validation every week.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
If you live in the greater Seattle area, you can schedule a get-acquainted call with one of our senior care managers.