Sometimes the prospect of
visiting a loved one with dementia can be frightening. Here are a few helpful
tips to get you on your way.
Plan a time limit on
your visit—one that you can handle with grace.
Slow down your pace and your mind before entering their space.
Identify yourself each time. If they don't know who you are, introduce
yourself by your first name. It may take a full minute for them to orient
to your being there and who you are.
State what day and time it is. Then, wait for them to
absorb this information. Processing information is slowed in the brain of a
person with Alzheimer’s and related disorders.
Plan a task to be accomplished while you’re there; a short walk
with easy slow talk, reading a story or listening to music together.
Communicate positive feelings through quiet hand holding or a light back
rub. Always approach them from the front so they don't startle.
Talk slowly and deliberately. Repeat parts as necessary to be clear.
Avoid arguing with their perception of thing.
Enjoy being in their world. Play in it with them. Do not reality orient or correct their
memories or perceptions of things.
Avoid questioning and quizzing (these are actually unkind). Give
information instead. When asking them to choose something, offer only 2
choices —either of which are OK.
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