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Visiting a loved one in dementia care nurtures your bond and shows affection. Even as their condition progresses, socializing can help decrease stress and improve their overall mood. To make your conversations more successful, implement the following tips when communicating with them.  

Do:

Speak and act in a positive manner.

People with dementia often pick up cues from your tone and body language.

Approach them with soft movements and use pleasant expressions and a calm voice to make them feel at ease during the conversation. If needed, lightly touch their shoulder to get their attention, which also shows you care.

Be clear. 

Speak slowly and distinctly, and stick to simple words. If you need to repeat your message or question, use the same wording to limit confusion.

Also, try to call people and places by their names rather than pronouns to engage your loved one’s memory.

Don’t:

Talk in an area with distractions.

dementia careWhenever speaking with someone with dementia, remove visual and auditory distractions.

Turn off the TV or radio, close doors, and pull down the blinds. If they appear distracted, you may need to move to a quieter location to help them focus and understand your words. 

Ask complicated questions.

As your loved one’s condition progresses, it can take them a while to grasp new information or understand a question you ask.

Avoid posing open-ended questions or giving them too many options. Instead, stick to statements and yes-or-no choices that are simple to understand and answer.

 

If you have a loved one with memory care needs, Beehive Homes of Kalispell in Montana provides a comfortable senior assisted living experience. Serving Flathead County, this facility is focused on providing long-term Alzheimer’s and dementia care in a home-like setting. Owners Barry and Billy Jo are both experienced registered nurses with over 40 years of combined experience. Call (406) 426-2166 to discuss your loved one’s needs, or visit their website to learn more about their dementia care services.

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