Published on: 15th May 2023
As well as Mental Health Awareness Week, 15-21 May is also Dementia Action Week.
People with dementia may experience anxiety because of worries about their memory, how to manage their lives day-to-day and thinking about the future.
Our award-winning Stockport young and onset dementia team (pictured) have shared some ways we can help people with dementia who experience anxiety:
Ask them what is causing their anxiety. Validate their feelings, be patient and try not to dismiss their worries. Instead reassure them how you can help to problem solve an issue together.
- For example, someone may have anxiety about forgetting appointments and tasks. You could help them with memory aids such writing things in a calendar or diary, having a large face clock next to it, using a whiteboard to put reminders, using Amazon Alexa to set up reminders etc.
- If someone is visibly anxious but struggles to express why – you could look at environmental triggers to see what may be causing anxiety – pain or discomfort, too cold or warm, hungry or thirsty, too much noise or stimulation.
- Keeping a calm, safe environment is important to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Having a familiar routine and engaging activity is really important in reducing feelings of anxiety
- Physical activity such as walking or light exercise
- Being outdoors and spending time in nature
- Group activities such as dancing or singing
- Complementary therapies such as hand massage or relaxation
- Any activity that is meaningful to them that they enjoy