How to Talk to a Loved One with Dementia

Dementia care patients experience challenges in communication due to their deteriorating memory, limited understandings, confusion due to the situation or environment if they have little to no verbal skills, and more. Their health, well-being, and comfort is our highest concern. In order to benefit their lives, here are tips on how to create comfortable and respectful conversations with loved ones and patients with Dementia.

Continue reading to see how you can create a positive environment and situation for a beneficial conversation with your loved one.

Starting the Conversation

Have a pleasant, unstressed attitude to set the stage for the conversation. While this may be a worrisome time, having this positivity upfront can reflect well onto your loved one and help them feel calm and comfortable in your presence. Have the conversation in a distraction-free and well-lit area. Be sure to have relaxed body language and maintain good eye contact.

Dementia Care Conversation Tips

• Speak calmly, clearly, and slowly to make it easier to understand.
• Say names instead of pronouns to avoid confusion.
• Discuss only one topic at a time.
• Rephrase the question instead of repeating if something is misunderstood.
  

During the conversation, if any mistakes are made or something is forgotten, it is essential to either correct gently or to let it slide, if possible. These can be embarrassing moments, so you want to make sure your loved one feels respected and comfortable.

Create a comfortable conversation with your loved one with these tips. Body language, tone, and eye contact all go a long way to make your loved one feel more comfortable. These tips are here to help you, your family, and more communicate.  

Contact Visiting Angels of Little Rock, AR for Dementia Care

Contact us at Visiting Angels of Little Rock, AR, and surrounding areas for your home care needs. Our caregivers and professional team are only a phone call away to start creating a Dementia care plan for your loved one right away.