Page 15 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - August 2019 - 26-08

People With Dementia Can
Still Enjoy Having Visitors
Even if your older adult has Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may still enjoy having visitors. But it takes skill for both sides to have a positive experience when visiting someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
answer questions, don’t rush the conversation. It may take as long as 30 seconds. If you interrupt while they are processing the wait time starts over. Be patient.
So, set your visitors up for success by sharing some do’s and don’ts ahead of time. Having a great visit and under- standing more about dementia might even encourage family and friends to visit more often. (See page eight.)
7. Use open-ended questions because there are no right or wrong answers.
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Daily Caring explains how to plan ahead for successful visits and share essential do’s and dont’s that create a positive experience by helping family and friends know what to say and do.
10. 11.
12. 13.
14.
versation topics or activities. Validate their feelings. Allow them to express sadness, fear, or anger. Enter their reality. Go with the flow of the conversation even if they talk about things that aren’t true or don’t make sense. (For more details see article starting on page four.)
Share and discuss memories of the past. They’re more likely to remem- ber things from long ago.
Come prepared with an activity, like something to read out loud, a photo album to look at, or some of their favorite music to listen to.
Give hugs, gentle touches, or mas- sage arms or shoulders if the person gives permission and enjoys it.
Tips for planning visits strategically:
1. Limit visitors to one or two people at a time. Too many people can be overwhelming.
2. Schedule visits for the time of day when your older adult is usually at their best.
3. Minimize distractions by keeping the environment calm and quiet. Turn off the TV or loud music and ask any non-visitors to go to another room.
DON’T
4. Send this list to your visitors ahead of time so they’ll have time to absorb the information.
1. Don’t say, “Do you remember?” This can cause anger or embarrass- ment.
Essential do’s and don’ts for visiting someone with dementia:
DO
1. Always introduce yourself even
if you’re sure they must know you. “Hi Grandma, I’m Joe, your grandson.”
2. Don’t argue. If they say something that’s not correct, just let it go.
3. Don’t point out mistakes. It just
2. Keep your tone and body language friendly and positive.
they say personally. The disease may twist their words or make them react badly out of confusion, fear, or anger.
3. Don’t speak too loudly.
4. Make eye contact and stay at their
6. Don’t talk down to them. They aren’t children and you should show the proper respect.
eye level.
5. Speak slowly and in short sentences
with only one idea per sentence. For example: “Hi Mary. I’m Jane, your friend.” or “What a beautiful day. The sunshine is nice, isn’t it?” or “Tell me about your daughter.”
7. Don’t talk about them with other people as if they’re not there.
6. Give them extra time to speak or
Taking just a bit of time to prepare before visiting can help to make your visit enjoyable.
8. Be OK with sitting together in silence. They may enjoy that just as much as talking.
9. Follow their lead, don’t force con-
makes them feel badly and doesn’t
help the conversation.
4. Don’t assume they don’t remem-
ber anything. Many people have
moments of clarity.
5. Don’t take mean or nasty things
Senior Times - August 2019
Page 15
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