Have you ever noticed how asking someone to do something in dementia care can suddenly turn into resistance — even when it used to be easy? Often, it’s not about what we’re asking — but how we're asking.

Sometimes, having a flyer on the fridge or on a wall is just the reminder we need to take a pause, let go and try again later. Check out this blog post and download the flyer at the end of the post HERE.

Reference:

Few things can be more discouraging than offering an activity with enthusiasm, only to hear a firm "no."

If you’ve read some of my blog posts, you may have noticed that I am a big fan of the N.U.T.S. model to understand human stressors and how these can impact the stress levels of both care partners and people living with dementia.

In times of distress, it’s not always easy to know what to do or how to respond. Is your loved one feeling anxious? Asking for their deceased mum? Pacing and repeating, “What do I do? What do I do?”

As always in dementia care, any behavioural change should first be evaluated for possible medical causes. Consulting the GP helps rule out issues such as pain, infection, or medication side effects before focusing on emotional or environmental factors.

Imagine being in the bathroom with an incontinence product in your hand. You know it needs to go somewhere — but where? You look around… nothing catches your eye. No bin, no obvious place. What would you do?

I was delighted to write for Bibetta, a company that specialises in creating reusable, machine-washable dining protectors designed for people of all ages and needs.

When someone is living with dementia, conversations can become more challenging. The person may have difficulty finding the right words, or the words they use may not always match what they want to say. This can be frustrating and sometimes create a feeling of shame for the person living with dementia.

Stress is the body’s natural response to a demand, change, or challenge. It can be physical (e.g. pain) or psychological (e.g. being stuck in a traffic jam). When examining psychological stress, Dr Sonia Lupien developed the N.U.T.S. Model of stress (learn more Here). According to this model, psychological stress contains at least one of these four ingredients: novelty, unpredictability, threat to the ego (our sense of identity and competence), or low sense of control.

Stress is the body’s natural response to a demand, change, or challenge. It can be physical, emotional, or mental—and is not always negative. In small doses, stress can enhance focus and motivation. However, when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can affect well-being, decision-making, and relationships.For caregivers, especially those supporting someone living with dementia, stress often builds up gradually. Minor challenges—disrupted routines, resistance to care, or health-related concerns—can accumulate and lead to emotional or physical exhaustion.

Dementia or not, well-being is important for all of us.