The diagnosis of a dementia diagnosis is rather heavy; not only for the patient, but for the family, who equally try to adapt. Every relationship invariably involves the aspect of communication which with time becomes difficult due to the disease. However, with a few key strategies, you can still manage to bring your lost loved one closer to you and prevent the bond from being strained.
Understanding the Challenges
As mentioned above, dementia may affect various areas of the brain, as well as various functions such as memory and language. This can manifest in some of the following ways;
- Word finding difficulty: Your loved one may have a hard time talking, or during a conversation may not be able to remember well-known phrases.
- Shorter attention span: They may be unable to engage in a dialogue and may be easily distracted.
- Misinterpreting information: They may also have a problem with some information that is new to them or too intricate.
Building Bridges Through Communication
It is important to note that even though there is such clarifier to all the challenges of communication, it is the most important tool of all. Here are some techniques to enhance bonding with your loved one suffering from dementia:
- Ensure peace before course of action: Reduce distractions like noise or clutter when having a conversation.
- Use simple language and articulation: Conscious of the pace of the delivery, in that slow but comprehensible short words sentences.
- Emphasize using body language: Encourage looking at the patients, gentle touching and smiling at them.
- Emphasize emotions, rather than details: Allow them to feel validated in their feelings and provide them reasons for hope.
- Use visuals: Show photos, mementos, or calendars which may help them trigger their memory a bit.
- Listen actively: They need your full attention and they need time to reply.
- Offer choices: This gives them a feeling of power and minimizes the anger.
- Validate their reality: Don’t argue or try to contradict their wrong assumptions.
- Focus on the present moment: While remembering the past is sometimes pleasant, it helps you to cope with whatever situation you are in.
- Be patient and positive: Use a soft and assuring voice throughout the dialogues.
Remember, communication is a reciprocal activity. While your loved one maye feel difficulty in expressing themselves verbally, but they will always appreciate your feelings and intent. These communication approaches will therefore enable you to comfortably interact with them.
Additional Resources:
Serenity of Commerce appreciates that families have a tough time dealing with dementia. A wide range of products and services was developed to ensure comfort, safety and well-being of your loved one. We are not only focused on the cared person, but also on the caregivers, so providing support and resources is essential.
