Tips to Help You and Others Connect More with Someone That Has Dementia
A lot of the time, it can be difficult to connect with someone who has dementia. This is a disease that changes one’s brain. It affects their language skills, understanding, and many other aspects of communication. However, this does not mean you and others can’t connect with someone who has this disease. In fact, there are many tips that can help you and their elder care aides connect more with someone who has this disease.
Elder Care Bernardsville NJ – Tips to Help You and Others Connect More with Someone That Has Dementia
Living in the Here and Now
One of the most important things to remember when you want to communicate with someone who has dementia is that you need to live in the here and now. Your elderly loved one can’t remember many things from the past. They may have forgotten all about that family trip you took with them 20 years ago. Do your best not to feel upset about this. Focus on the here and now. Enjoy the time you get to spend with your elderly loved one. Talk to them about doing a puzzle today or how they are feeling right now.
Revisiting the Past Sometimes
While you should stay in the present with your elderly loved one, sometimes, it is alright to revisit the past with them. For instance, your elderly loved one might remember something from their early adult years or even their childhood, but they may not remember the last 20 years or so. If your elderly loved one wants to revisit the past that they do remember, you can do that with them for a bit.
Listening to Some Music
Music is a great way for you to connect with your elderly loved one. Research shows that music crosses many generational lines. Your elderly loved one can listen to music with you, their grandchildren, their caregivers, and others in their life. You should encourage them to listen to a variety of music. This can expand their mind and help boost their mood, as well.
Have Their Children or Pets Visit
Another way for your elderly loved one to connect is by having them spend time with their children. Their children are important to them. Even if they can’t fully remember who they are, these visits can be very important. If their children can’t visit with them often enough, you may want to consider getting them a pet.
These are just some tips that can help you and their elder care providers to connect more with someone who has dementia. By doing these things, you can keep your elderly loved one in touch with others. You can help them maintain their communication skills for as long as possible. In addition, you will have ways to communicate with your elderly loved one, too.
Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20047540
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving-changes-communication-skills
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elder Care Services in Bernardsville NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
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