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Granddaughter Finds Simple Yet Powerful Way To Help Grandma With Dementia Feel Useful

View from the side of a grandma standing at a kitchen sink. She's rinsing carrots.

Life with dementia is incredibly difficult. This is true for the person living with the disorder, of course, but it’s also true for those who love that person. There are so many things to consider when taking care of someone with dementia. The more severe it is, the more difficult it is to allow them the kind of freedom they desire. In the video below, a woman whose grandma has dementia gives us an insight into what it’s like.

Videos by InspireMore

When this woman cooks dinner, her grandma wants to help. Sadly, it’s far too risky to allow her near any potentially dangerous utensils. But when Grandma admitted she feels “useless” watching her granddaughter cook everything, she knew something had to change. Luckily, she was able to find a clever solution. Find out what she did for grandma in the video below!

“That’s a great idea. The biggest issue with the elderly is they lose their independence and that is key,” someone points out in the comments. “When they lose their independence they give up. That’s a smart smart move. You did. Dementia or not they need to feel useful and wanted and loved.”

Grandma with Dementia Regains Some Independence Thanks to Her Granddaughter’s Clever Idea

Clever ideas like this can make a world of difference for people with dementia. Another great example is one that a number of assisted living homes use: Doll therapy. See this form of care in action below.

@parkviewnursinghome Doll therapy was so successful for Dementia Week that we decided to buy our own baby. Meet Poppy ❤️ The residents are truly smitten with her! #dolltherapy #dementia #dementiaactionweek #alzheimers #dementiaawareness #nursinghome #liverpool #baby #therapy ♬ Go to Sleep (Lullaby for Pets) – Steven Current

While doll therapy isn’t for everyone, it has shown to have a positive impact on many elderly people, particularly those with dementia. Something about these dolls is calming. In turn, they can decrease anxiety and increase their happiness. Plus, holding these dolls can make it easier for caretakers to do their job.

Taking care of someone with dementia is no easy task. But these creative methods are just a glimpse at what’s possible when we think outside the box!

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!

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