As dementia progresses, it can be a lot tougher for you to know when your senior is experiencing pain or something else. Often people in the later stages of dementia aren’t able to put words to what’s happening, so it can feel frustrating for both of you to be unable to sort out a solution.
Talk to Her, Especially if She’s Still Verbal to Any Degree
If your elderly family member still responds to verbal questions, that can be a helpful way to get information. Even if you don’t always understand her answers, you may get some form of feedback that allows you to figure out what’s going on. In the earlier stages of dementia, your aging family member might not have the words for pain or for specific types of pain, but she may still be able to get the point across if you ask her.
Start Paying Closer Attention to Vocalizations
Vocalizations are a way to communicate, even if they don’t completely make sense to you. Your elderly family member may not be able to say outright that she’s uncomfortable or in pain, but the sounds she’s making may be able to let you know what’s going on. She may repeat certain phrases or use wordless sounds to alert you to a problem.
Watch for Facial Expressions and Body Language
Even if your senior can’t tell you with words or vocalizations what’s happening, there are other signs to watch for. Facial expressions and body language can be extremely telling. Pay attention to how your senior holds her body. If she’s acting like a part of her body feels tender, that might be because she’s experiencing pain there. The signs may be subtle.
Her Breathing Can Be a Clue
Pain is a stressor and pain can take quite a lot out of your senior. That might mean that your she expresses her pain in other ways, like with faster or labored breathing. Pay attention to any changes in how she’s breathing because those can sometimes be a sign that something else is going on. If she tries holding her breath, that might also be due to pain.
Elder care providers can help you to learn this new language your senior is developing. They know that it can be difficult for you to understand what your senior needs now, especially as dementia progresses. They can help you to figure out what to do next.
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Columbus, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
