Dementia progresses at varying rates and affects people differently. If you don't chat with the person regularly, observe their communication habits to get a sense of the situation. Don't assume their communication skills are limited. Even if you engage with your loved one regularly, their communication skills and needs could change over time. They might also have good days and bad days, which could affect communication. Follow their lead each time you visit.
Your mood and attitude toward the situation set the tone for the interaction. Having a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but keeping the conversations light, positive and happy can make them more enjoyable for everyone. Think about your facial expressions, body positioning and tone of voice as you're creating that positive atmosphere. Your body language should show affection and caring to help put your loved one at ease.
When you have multiple people in the room, make sure you include the person with dementia in the conversation. Encourage other people in the room to do the same. People sometimes talk to the caregiver instead of the person with dementia. You can get them involved by making eye contact with them when you ask a question or talk to them.
It might be tempting to predict what the person is trying to say and vocalize it for them. Some people may get frustrated if it takes a long time for the thoughts to come out. Practice patience, show compassion and give your loved one the chance to formulate the words on their own. They might already feel frustrated when they have difficulty communicating. Being interrupted could increase those feelings of frustration.
Communication with a person who has dementia is often easier when you limit distractions. Choose a quiet, comfortable spot to have a conversation. You might turn off the TV and close the door so you can both focus. Maintain eye contact with the person, and put down your phone and other items while you're chatting so you can be fully invested in the conversation.
Simple communication is often easier for someone with dementia to understand. Here are some tips to make the conversation easier to follow:
Dementia can cause confusion, which might cause your loved one to say things that aren't correct. They might think you're someone else or believe they're in a different time. It's tempting to correct them, but that can lead to agitation. Your loved one might argue with you or become upset. Instead, validate what they're saying and feeling, even if it's not accurate. You might also simply comfort them.
If the conversation turns argumentative, try distracting or redirecting your loved one. You might validate the feeling first and then try to move toward something else. For example, you could say, "I see that you're getting frustrated. Why don't we walk to the park to see the birds?" Find a distraction that you know your loved one likes to help them calm down.
As dementia progresses, verbal communication often becomes more difficult. You might incorporate other ways to convey your messages. Nonverbal communication, such as pointing or gesturing to show what you mean, can help the person understand or allow them to communicate with you. Pictures or drawings of common objects can help them communicate. In some cases, writing or typing the message helps your loved one understand. You might also use touch to express your love and affection for the person.
Moving your loved one to Autumn View Gardens Ellisville provides them with support and companionship that could help them maintain their language skills longer. Our team is highly trained to provide the support your loved one needs.
