If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a form of dementia, you may feel apprehensive when you think about visiting them. That’s natural. You may wonder if they will know who you are, who they are, what day it is, where they’re at, etc. Keep in mind that this person is still your parent, sibling, or friend, the same person who loved you, cared for you, grew up with you, and shared precious experiences and memories with you. To calm any anxiety and make the visit pleasant and productive for everybody, you need to make a few adjustments to your communication approach.
Be Consistent With Your Routine
When you get together with your loved one, choose a comfortable setting. If they live in a memory care community, you can meet them in their apartment, in a private community room, a café, or outdoors (weather permitting). Keep the conversation light and don’t pepper your loved one with questions such as, “Do you know who I am?” or “Do you know what day it is?” They may or may not know, and if they do, and are unable to express it, frustration builds. Instead, make eye contact, speak directly to them, use their name, and ask simple questions such as, “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” Speak in a normal tone of voice and don’t over-enunciate your words.
Be Patient
People with dementia often have trouble communicating. The disease affects their memory and cognitive abilities, making it difficult to find the right words, express themselves verbally, and follow a conversation. In addition, temporal lobe damage can cause aphasia, a condition where a person may know what they want to say but is unable to organize their thoughts and clearly verbalize them. That’s why communication with your loved one requires lots of patience and a gentle, relaxed approach.
Be Encouraging
One advantage of living in a Kingsbury memory care community is that we use The Varietas® Program, which focuses on socialization. Residents interact daily with their peers and staff to converse, reminisce, and participate in activities that improve their cognitive and behavioral skills, as well as improve communication. Your loved one is cared for in a nurturing and familiar environment where they feel safe and supported. This translates to them feeling more receptive to receiving and conversing with visitors.
Explore Memory Care at Kingsbury
With a little planning and lots of patience, visits with your loved one with dementia can be joyful and fulfilling — for everybody. To learn more about The Varietas® Program and memory care at Kingsbury, reach out to us to schedule a meeting and tour. Our communities were built by Ohioans for Ohioans, and we strive to make every resident feel like royalty.