If you have a loved one with dementia, you probably already know how frustrating it can be to communicate sometimes. Limited understanding and cognitive decline can be very overwhelming for both the patient and the caregiver, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are some tips to consider…

Firstly, be determined to make the conversation the best it can possibly be. Going into it already frustrated or with negative energy will affect you as well as your loved one! Try to bear in mind that while you may feel like you are losing your loved one, they are still the person you’ve always loved. While the specific circumstances may make it tough to communicate, your positive attitude will be a game-changer!

Second, create a comfortable environment that feels safe. Remove any distractions and just make sure you’re in a quiet space without a lot of outside stimuli.

Get their Full Attention. Use light physical touch and affection and use their name. The more relaxed and pleasant your body language is, the more they will also relax and enjoy the conversation. If the patient is non-verbal, your demeanor is even more important!

Keep eye contact. Sit where you can see each other. This will help them feel safe and comfortable.

Keep the conversation light and easy! They may be unable to understand or process some topics, so if your loved one suffers from dementia, it’s a good idea to limit topics to easy things that don’t require a lot of thought. Remember to slow down, be calm, take a breath, and just enjoy as many meaningful chats as you can!

Speak clearly and slowly. You need to give them a chance to process what you’ve just said. This means that you need to slow down and give a pause between sentences.

Instead of pronouns, use names. Dementia makes it hard to remember who you are talking about. So, rather than saying pronouns such as “he” or “she,” use the name of the person you are talking about. Be sure to use your own name too.

Don’t load them with more than one topic. Try to avoid jumping to different topics or changing the subject without a clear introduction to the new topic. If they show signs of not understanding what you’ve said or who you’re talking about, try rephrasing rather than repeating things.

Finally, don’t forget the non-verbal communication such as a smile, a hug, wink of the eye, and anything that is reassuring to them. This will help them feel respected and safe.

For more information on communicating with dementia patients, please contact us!

Home Helpers of San Antonio is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Antonio,Atascosa, Balcones Heights, Castroville, Devine, D’Hanis, Dunlay, Helotes, Hondo, Lacoste, Leon Valley, Lytle, Macdona, Mico, Moore, Natalia, Pearsall, Pearson, Quihi, Rio Medina, Von Ormy, and Yancey, Texas.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.

Although dementia is most commonly diagnosed in seniors, it can also happen to middle-aged people, as well as those who have suffered a brain injury. Many people still go on to live long lives after diagnosis, so it’s important to understand the condition and how you can treat it therapeutically. The goal is to help seniors retain their independence for as long as possible, as well as helping them have the best possible quality of life!

Symptoms will likely change as the condition progresses. It can range from occasional forgetfulness in the early stages, to not being able to recognize loved ones or interact with people in the late stages. The type of care needs to be given for the specific stage of dementia the person is dealing with.

As seniors progress through the different stages of dementia, the main goal is to keep them able to care for themselves and enjoy life. They may get to the point where they need constant care at some point. At the very least, they will have much shorter attention spans so it’s important to use quick activities that stimulate different parts of their brain.

The Importance of Quick Activities for Dementia Care
The following activities are designed to be quick and efficient. They will help your loved one stay healthy and happy for as long as possible as they cope with the effects of dementia. It will also appeal to their creative side, giving them things to engage in that are fun and bring joy, however, limited it may seem.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Do a Household Chore Together
Simple chores can be comforting on some level. It involves doing a familiar activity and allows the senior to focus on what they know how to do. This can be as simple as folding towels or drying dishes. Doing these activities may also trigger good memories and provide good conversation. The point of this activity is to help your loved one feel useful while also helping them cope with the symptoms of dementia.

Color in Adult Coloring Books
Coloring is a great way to improve memory and engage in something creative. It will help also with fine motor skills. Choose appropriate images that bring back nostalgic memories and aren’t too complicated. Engage in conversation while you enjoy this activity together.

Play a Memory-Based Card Game
Many card games are designed for strengthening memory skills. It’s also a wonderful way to relieve depression and lessen anxiety. The senior must stay alert to complete the game, and this helps them to remain focused and feel the positive effects of having completed something. Memory games such as Go Fish and Spot the Difference are a great place to start!

Take Short Walks
A brisk walk may not seem like a big deal, but it offers so much good for the treatment of dementia! Just a few minutes walking will increase blood flow to the brain, which helps everything. A little bit of exercise, fresh air, and time outdoors can do wonders for treating cognitive decline. If the patient is not very mobile, a simple walk down the hall may be all that is needed.

Sing a Song
Even if your loved one can’t join in, singing familiar songs can be a fun way that caregivers can interact with patients. Perhaps a song will trigger a good memory that will open conversation. They may even want to dance with you!

Utilize Animal Therapy
Animals have a wonderful way of bringing a smile to us. If you can’t see them in person, just looking at them on TV or watching funny shows that involve cute animals. Petting dogs or cats can release our “feel good” chemicals and this is why animal therapy is so popular among seniors.

Don’t be afraid to engage with your loved one, even if they seem distant. Simple and quick activities can go a long way in learning to cope with dementia and keeps your loved one more peaceful and calmer. For more ideas on activities for dementia, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of San Antonio is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as homemaker services in San Antonio,Atascosa, Balcones Heights, Castroville, Devine, D’Hanis, Dunlay, Helotes, Hondo, Lacoste, Leon Valley, Lytle, Macdona, Mico, Moore, Natalia, Pearsall, Pearson, Quihi, Rio Medina, Von Ormy, and Yancey, Texas.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article.