Do you have a loved one with dementia? Learn how to communicate your ideas, understand their medical condition, and help them feel good with these tips:
Understand Their Challenges
It’s vital to understand that people with dementia have communication issues that cause certain behaviours. While it might be frustrating sometimes, you have to be patient and show your loved one how much you care about his or her feelings. For example, it’s common to see people with dementia struggling to remember things that happened or find words to express themselves.
One tip for communicating with someone affected by dementia is to keep the conversation simple. Avoid asking too many questions, show respect, and focus on feelings instead of facts. Actions speak louder than words, so put a smile on your face and be kind.
Learn About the Stages of Dementia
Before you interact with someone with dementia, read about the disease and its different stages. Not all dementia sufferers share the same symptoms, so that knowledge may help you adjust your communication style and set the right expectations.
Mild dementia looks like lack of concentration, and it rarely keeps the person from functioning independently. Moderate dementia is characterized by noticeable memory loss and changes in behaviour. Severe dementia often means that the person has lost their ability to control their own movements.
Additional Tips
Here are other tips that might help you deal with someone with dementia:
- Use your body language to help you communicate your message.
- Avoid talking to a dementia sufferer while the radio or TV is turned on.
- Don’t ask multiple questions at the same time.
- Keep the conversation simple and direct.
- Help the person remember dates or past events if you notice they’re struggling.
- Pay attention to their gestures as they indicate how the person is feeling.
At Dementia Caring, our friendly and experienced caregivers go the extra mile to increase the quality of life for people with dementia. Our services include home care packages, specialized dementia care, and therapy programs that consider your specific needs. If you want to learn more about our dementia home care services, contact us through our website or by calling us at 1300 792 691.