When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the news is hard on everyone. The change is especially challenging for the children and young people. Reassuring them that you understand how difficult things can be can help them feel less isolated. Providing them with the comfort of knowing you are there for them is an important part of dealing with crisis situations.  

Regardless of how distracted, upset, or busy adults may be at times, children need to know that they are loved and cared for. The first step to making children feel included begins by involving them. This might help them feel more at ease with the situation.

Tips on how to help them cope with dementia patients

The following tips are a good way to support a child or teen who has a loved one with dementia.

Inspiring them with confidence

Let the child know that his or her feelings are normal and they can talk to you without feeling judged about their feelings. Dementia can be managed well when people have the right support. The young ones of the family should know that they are welcomed to participate in this support.

Working together is key to learn together

Learning about dementia makes it easier to discuss. Children often learn by example so don’t forget to involve them when you are caring for the patient. Engage with the person with dementia in the same way that you would like the children to interact with them. 

You can also take them to dementia care Houston centers with you, and spend a day with professional caretakers where they can observe the engagement and take part in the help. 

Getting help through talking

It is beneficial to engage in talk therapy. Young ones can find it helpful to speak to an independent professional without being concerned about upsetting anyone in the family. A teenager might also benefit from participating in online discussion forums. 

Let them express and listen to their opinions

You should help your child choose a way to express themselves in a way that is comfortable for them. It may be art therapy, music therapy, or drama therapy. 

Often children don’t express themselves and suffer quietly, which can make them more quiet, isolated, and sensitive towards their social surroundings. It can also push them in bullying situations. Encourage them to explain to their friends the changes their sick relative has undergone since last time, so that they will understand as well and don’t give them a tough time than they are already facing. 

It is possible that you may not always be around to help them out, so you can also get support for the children from many pediatric home healthcare Houston agencies that will do the job for you. The healthcare assistants will help children in dealing with challenging situations such as these. 

Engage them in the joy of creating new memories

Plan activities where children and the person with dementia participate together, like indoor games and organizing fun events. Photographing these situations are a nice way to remind everyone of the good times they can have together.

Showing them support with studies 

It can be helpful for the child’s school to be aware of what is happening so that they can understand the situation and the types of difficulties the child might be experiencing. In return, the school can also arrange support for the child by providing them with counselling sessions and being tolerant with them. If you keep the school informed, the school may also provide extra support or accommodations to children during exams.