5 Things to Do When Visiting an Aging Loved One with Dementia
Do you have an aging loved one with dementia? No matter how difficult it may be, it is important to them that you spend quality time with them. Participating in different activities together can help manage the behavioural changes that often come with this disease and improve their quality of life.
The point of such activities isn’t to ‘get it right’ but for them to feel good about whatever it is they are doing. The key lies in choosing ones that are suitable for their abilities and mobility and help reinforce self-esteem.
Visiting someone in our Niagara Falls senior residence who has dementia can be challenging, particularly if it is difficult to have a conversation with them. Others may have communication or memory-related problems as well.
So, how can you make your visits more meaningful? There are dementia-friendly activities you can consider doing with them.
Let’s take a look.
Activities You Can Do When Visiting Someone with Dementia
When visiting a loved one with dementia in our Niagara Falls senior residence, try these activities to make your visits helpful and fulfilling.
1. Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Communication
If your loved one is non-responsive, this does not mean that you have to respond in kind. You can try to talk with them and tell them about things they might enjoy hearing, such as their favourite sports team or the latest adventures their grandchildren had.
While telling them these stories, be mindful of what you may be conveying with your facial expressions and posture. Remember that non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication. So, make eye contact and smile as often as feels right.
Also, do not withdraw from the conversation even if your loved one is absolutely non-responsive. Your movements, eye contact, laughter and facial expressions will go a long way towards connecting with them.
2. Bring Your Children
Parents may be hesitant to bring their children when visiting our Niagara senior care residence. On the contrary, children may make the visit easier on everyone. For anyone who has been a parent, even after they are diagnosed with dementia, there is a good chance they might remember what it’s like to care for children. On such occasions, their parental instincts may kick in.
When you bring your children with you, they can include your loved one in crafts and colouring activities. They will also enjoy sharing food with them. Or, they may simply sit and watch them play. This will go a long way towards helping their mental health while also making the visits easier.
3. Bring Some Pictures
If you have pictures of your loved one with the rest of the family, choose a few and bring them on your next visit to their Niagara Falls senior residence. Looking at pictures from a long time ago may trigger memories and help individuals with dementia recall specific events or names.
Even if you feel as though you are receiving a minimal response, your loved one may feel reassured that the people around them are familiar. Additionally, looking through a photo album can provide conversation.
4. Sing Their Favourite Songs
If you are unsure what to do when visiting your parents, consider singing with them, especially if they have always enjoyed music. If singing isn’t your thing, you can also play some of their favourite songs.
Music has the potential to unlock emotions and memories that may not be possible otherwise. In some instances, the resident may also recite the lyrics to their favourite song, even when their capability to communicate has deteriorated.
5. Go Outdoors
If the weather is appropriate and your loved one can walk, bring them outside for some fresh air. Getting a little sunshine and being outside will brighten their day. It may also help set a pleasant mood for the rest of the visit.
If you have chosen senior care services for an aging loved one with dementia, visit them as regularly as you can. When visiting them in our Niagara Falls senior residence, express your love without expecting anything in return. Along with making the visits less stressful, it will provide a greater sense of calm. When choosing activities to do with them, make sure to pick what is suitable to the resident’s abilities.