If you have wondered how to make the
most of your time when you visit a relative or friend suffering from Alzheimer’s
disease or another form of dementia, take some tips from the experts. They have the experience to help your visit
go more smoothly.
Their first tip is to adjust to your
loved one as they are now and do not expect to have the same type of
conversations with them as you once did.
As dementia care specialist Vivian Green Korner explains, “Conversations
may become less intellect to intellect and more emotion to emotion.”
Another thing, focus on what the
person still has rather than focusing on what they have lost. They may enjoy stories about the past as well
as love hearing music that reminds them of when they were young. Anthony Cirillo, president of The Aging
Experience and host of the Virtual Summit for Caregivers, say that, “Music
activates something in people no matter how advanced their dementia.” Also, it may be helpful to bring photos,
books or even tasty treats to share with your loved one.
In addition,
don’t waste time asking a lot of questions that may just confuse the person,
instead, just live in the moment. Talk
about things you are seeing such as the color of the leaves on a tree outside
the window or a pretty picture in the room.
If the person appears to be getting agitated, suggest getting up and
taking a little walk as often a change of scenery can help to change their
mood.
Remember it is important to make eye
contact as a lot of your communication with the person will be non-verbal. Experts also suggest touching a person before
you start to speak as touch is a powerful communicator especially as their verbal
skills are starting to diminish.
At MorningStar
of Sparks, our mission is to provide seniors the best
independent and assisted living Reno–Sparks offers, which
includes 32 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and
other forms of dementia. As dementia
specialists, we understand the disease and provide care that treats the
individual with the dignity and respect they deserve. Please see our
website for more.
MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to
honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities.
Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing
in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for
residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the
finest senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer.
Source:bluestonemd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/9-Tips-on-Visiting-Someone-With-Dementia.pdf
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