Dos and Don'ts of Dementia Visits
Visiting your loved one with dementia can create some feelings of unease. After all, you can never be sure what kind of a mood they may be in, if they’ll want to see visitors, or if they’ll even remember you.
Prepping for a Visit with Your Senior Loved One
If you’re nervous about the visit, taking some time to prepare can help you create a calmer state of mind since there’s likely to be some stress involved. These tips from the Alzheimer’s Association can help make the visit a positive experience for everyone involved.
Pick a Good Time to Visit
Chances are, your family member has a time of day when they’re more lucid or talkative. Plan to visit during this period, and respect the rest of their daily routine. Keep your visit short–around 30 minutes to an hour is ideal so they don’t become too overwhelmed.
Do an Activity Together
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends participating in calm activities that engage the senses, such as listening to your loved one’s favorite music. If it’s safe to do so, encourage movement, like dancing. Touch is extremely healing. If your loved one is comfortable, give them a gentle hand massage or shoulder rub. Just keep in mind that they may have painful areas of the body or skin lesions.
Listen
It’s crucial for you to remember that people with dementia experience a different reality than everyone else. They may express irrational thoughts to you. Show empathy, and be receptive to what they say. Arguing or correcting them will not help, and may only make them feel worse.
Speak from the Heart
Don’t worry about whether or not your loved one will remember the visit. It’s still worthwhile for you to spread joy and happiness while you’re there. Tell them you love them and thank them for being a treasured part of your life. You could even bring them a small comfort gift or a card to emphasize how special they are to you.
Stay Flexible
It’s likely that your loved one’s condition will shift each time you visit them. They may become angry or have outbursts, even if they’re normally calm. This is a part of the progression of the disease, and you can’t do anything to prevent their dementia from getting worse. Plan on there being periods of silence, and remember that your mood will have a big effect on their mood. Stay calm and remain as positive as you can, even in frustrating moments.
Dementia Care with Visiting Angels Can Help
If your cherished family member has recently been diagnosed with a memory-related condition, you’re probably feeling a lot of uncertainty. Visiting Angels Northern Central Indiana is here to help with our comprehensive dementia care services. With the help of their home care provider, your loved one can remain aging in place at home instead of relocating to assisted living. Caregivers will happily facilitate visits between seniors and their families.
Learn more about dementia care with Visiting Angels Northern Central Indiana by contacting us today!