1. Mismatch of activities with her level of cognitive function
Failure to determine the level of cognitive function that the person has currently. This may result in mismatch of activities that is beyond her cognitive function and ability. Such a mismatch will only cause more frustration to the caregiver and the patient.
Failure to understand that early signs of cognitive decline and say things like " Why can't you do this anymore" are hurtful words that tear down the individual.
Early signs of cognitive decline may start with the inability to plan finances or incidences of frequent forgetfulness to turn off the stove. It includes the lost of ability to travel to a new place without getting lost.
It is important to recognise what the person is like before dementia sets in.
Mum is a seamstress and used to sew dresses and pyjamas for me when I was young. She also sew pillows for my children when they were babies. Now that she has developed mild dementia, she still retains her skills in sewing. She feels a sense of achievement when she is able to sew the torn soft toy which is my daughter's favourite.
This is a sample of a patch work she has done.
Learning how to match activities with her current cognitive function is a constant learning process for me as her dementia progresses.
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