When a senior loved one requires dementia care, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about memory loss and communication moving forward. While you can’t control their recall and cognitive function, elder care professionals always stress the importance of embracing empathy and specific conversation tactics that allow for connection without stress. Here are a few dementia care techniques to embrace so you enjoy your elderly loved one’s company in a positive and soothing manner. 

Do:

Talk concisely. 

Instead of longwinded explanations, advanced reasoning, or descriptive storytelling, focus on giving your loved one in dementia care short answers. Get straight to the point and communicate in one to two sentences.

Brevity and simple answers will be easier to understand. When in doubt, simply respond to their feelings as opposed to challenging an idea or trying to explain how they may be incorrect in their memory or thought process. 

Maintain kind facial expressions. 

When your loved one has trouble remembering you or their own history, it can feel like a personal affront. That being said, your facial expressions play a critical role in how an individual with dementia feels.

Do your best to maintain a kind, empathetic expression. Avoid fake smiles that can be perceived as mocking and try to remain positive with an open energy. 

Don’t:

Ask too many questions. 

Asking a series of questions can be overwhelming to an individual with dementia. In some cases, asking multiple questions about their memories can feel like a quiz or an interrogation.

Similarly, asking broad, open-ended questions about what they’d like to eat or where they’d like to go can be unsettling. Instead of asking, allow your loved one to share memories in their own way. When it comes to asking about food or drinks, give either-or choices, so deciding is simplified. 

Invade personal space. 

While it may be tempting to give your elderly loved one plenty of hugs and physical affection, this familiarity can be disconcerting when they’re experiencing lapses in memory. Refrain from invading personal space. Let them take the lead on affection or offer a kind hand as opposed to hugs and kisses. 

If a senior loved one in your life wishes to remain in the comfort of home but could benefit from dementia care, Visiting Angels is a compassionate, convenient resource. As a locally owned and operated home care service provider, families throughout Lexington-Fayette County, KY, have entrusted this team of caregivers with a myriad of tasks, from grooming and meal preparation to memory care and companionship. To discuss your needs, call today at (859) 223-0398. For more information on their approach and commitment to treating each individual with respect and dignity, visit their website.