Caring for a loved one with dementia comes with many challenges. Whether you are a family member or a paid caregiver, taking care of a senior with dementia requires patience and kindness. Dementia describes various symptoms of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness, and is a symptom of several underlying diseases and brain disorders like Alzheimer’s. There are four main stages of dementia: mild cognitive impairment, mild dementia, moderate dementia, and severe dementia. Each stage has their own set of symptoms. Symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, general forgetfulness, sleep disturbances, and difficulty carrying out normal tasks. With all these mental and physical challenges, connecting with your senior can become challenging. Here are a few tips to help improve the communication between you and your loved one.
1. Ask Simple Questions. Asking questions is a great way to engage with your loved one. It’s essential to keep the items answerable and straightforward. Yes or no questions are good to ask, because your loved one will have fewer options to choose from when answering. For example, when asking them what they want to eat, stick to, “Do you want soup?” instead of “What do you want to eat?” If they say no, continue to give them one option at a time to minimize frustration.
2. Distract and Redirect. If you sense your loved one becoming irritated with a situation, try changing the activity or environment. It’s important to acknowledge that you recognize they are upset, then suggest an alternative activity to take their mind off their frustration. Activities could be playing a board game, going for a walk, etc.
3. Reminisce. Dementia impacts short-term memory, but chances are your loved ones remember earlier parts of their life. This is a great way to connect and learn about their experiences. Ask about their wedding day, college years, or favorite vacation. Most likely, remembering something will give them a boost of confidence. Recalling and sharing a happy memory will lighten their mood and lead to engaging and meaningful conversation between you.
4. Focus on Body Language. People with dementia notice body language and facial expressions. Communication, especially verbal forms, can become increasingly difficult as dementia progresses. Your loved one will begin to focus more on non-verbal communication, so be mindful of your facial expressions and sudden movements. It’s important to stay calm and neutral in your expressions.
