VISITING ANGELS PUNTA GORDA, FL 941-347-8288
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Engaging in Conversation When Dementia is in the Picture

For some, shooting the breeze with their aging loved ones often involves a trip down memory lane. Whether it’s a favorite family story or a never-before shared event, there’s often little effort involved to carry on a pleasant conversation with a senior family member.

However, when dementia is in the picture, engaging in conversation can present a whole new challenge. Adult children might feel like they need to walk on eggshells, not wanting to agitate their aging parent. It can be exhausting to hear the same story or be asked the same questions repeatedly. Fear and anxiety can overtake a person living with dementia, causing them not to trust the words you say to them. As the disease progresses, conversation only gets more and more difficult.

Senior woman talking with caregiverYet a dementia diagnosis does not mean that you can no longer engage in meaningful conversation with your aging loved one. Meaningful conversation is possible and important. If you have been struggling to engage in conversation with your loved one with dementia, here are a few tips to help you have a more meaningful moments.

Engage in Reminiscence

The best way to engage in conversation with someone who has dementia is to reminisce with them. Dementia typically starts by attacking short-term memory, causing someone to forget more re-cent events or even questions they just asked. Instead of repeating the same answers over and over, tap into your loved one’s long-term memory through reminiscence. Ask open-ended questions that require your loved one to answer beyond “yes” or “no.” If you aren’t sure where to start, ask about favorite family vacations, traditions, their life as a child, spring or summer activities, their childhood home, sports, or hobbies. Use photos or other props to enhance the experience. There are so many fun ways to reminisce and you don’t need any preparation to do so.

Redirect the Conversation

Redirection is another great approach to making your conversation with a loved one with dementia more meaningful. So often, someone with dementia demands answers or asks questions about their current situation. Maybe they had to move in with you because their spouse died. They might believe they still have young kids to pick up from school or need to get into the office. Instead of agitating them by telling them the truth, try redirecting the conversation. Ask them to tell you more about whatever is on their mind. If they’re asking about their deceased spouse, ask them to share a favorite memory with him or her. Guide the conversation back to reminiscing, keeping in mind that their reality is not always our current reality.

Validate Their Feelings

A person with a dementia diagnosis continues to experience feelings. They might not always know how to express those feelings appropriately, but their feelings still deserve validation. Before you try to brush their feelings aside, chalking it up to their memory impairment, pause to validate their feelings. Say, “I hear what you’re saying, and it sounds like you’re feeling frustrated, is that right?” Then, gently ask them if they know why they’re feeling that way. They might not be able to identify the cause but hearing someone validate their feelings can ease them off the edge.

Pay Attention to Their Body Language

Finally, when engaging in conversation with someone with dementia, it’s important to be aware of their body language. Look for signs of exhaustion, such as yawning, tired eyes, or a glazed look in their eyes. If they look worn out, end the conversation and suggest they lie down for a nap. Do they seem restless or bored? Suggest a walk or ask them to help with a simple household task. Do they look eager to engage in conversation? Sit down for a cup of coffee with them and enjoy a few minutes of meaningful conversation. By paying attention to their overall demeanor, you can know when to engage in conversation and when to let them rest.

Visiting Angels Punta Gorda recognizes the challenges dementia brings to caring for an aging loved one. Fortunately, we are offer dementia care services in addition to our senior home care services. Our compassionate caregivers are well-versed in dementia care and offer a gentle approach, following the lead of their clients with a dementia diagnosis. A dementia diagnosis does not mean your aging loved one needs to move to a memory care facility. With the assistance provided by Visiting Angels, your loved one can remain in their comfortable and familiar environment. To learn more about our dementia care, and other senior home care services, please contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Punta Gorda or 239-226-1620 Cape Coral.

Serving Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels PUNTA GORDA, FL
25166 Marion Ave #114
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-347-8288
A Florida employee based Home Health Agency, FL Lic # 299994657

Serving Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels PUNTA GORDA, FL
25166 Marion Ave #114
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-347-8288
A Florida employee based Home Health Agency, FL Lic # 299994657