4 Ways to Communicate with a Elderly Parents Living with Dementia
One of the most difficult aspects of dementia is that it can affect a person’s capacity to convey their needs. This must be frustrating for the individual and their loved ones. People sometimes retreat from social circles because communicating their demands and finding means to have their voices heard becomes too difficult and time-consuming. Keeping in mind that their brain may be slower to absorb information and gather ideas to communicate back, here are some tips to help you stay connected and communicate with elderly parents living with dementia:
Take Your Time, and Let Your Aging Parents Express Themselves
When someone has dementia, stress can make speaking and communicate more difficult. It’s crucial not to rush or complete your loved one’s words for them. We may pay greater attention to nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions, gestures, posture, and movement when we slow down. Maintain eye contact and be present with them. Face them on the same level as them. Try to learn to respond without negative emotion by taking a minute to be calm and aware. Also, keep in mind that if your loved one’s mother tongue is not the same as the language they have spoken for most of their lives, they may resort to the old language or a combination of the two. The usage of image cards might be beneficial in this situation.
Be Aware of Possible Hearing Loss
When caring for aging parents, don’t yell or exaggerate, and keep background noise to a minimum. You can talk a little slower, but make sure your normal speaking cadence is maintained. Make sure your elderly parents’ hearing aids are in good working order and schedule frequent appointments to your audiology facility. Make an effort to enlist the support of relatives and friends to assist you with hospital and ophthalmologist appointments.
Clarify Your Emotions
It is necessary to show that you are paying attention. Sit together with your loved ones and make eye contact. You may say something like, “I understand it must be difficult not being able to express yourself, but I am here for you.” Staying connected might be easier this way.
Avoid Correcting
Caring for elderly parents with dementia is hard but we can not leave our loved ones alone. Keep in mind that whatever your loved one says, it is their reality. For example, if your loved one refuses to wear a coat in the rain, their reality may be completely different from yours. “It is raining outside; will we put our coats on?” is a good approach, to be honest without questioning them. We must try imagining how we would feel if we were in that situation. Also, be nice to yourself; it’s exhausting when one of you has trouble communicating; take a few calm deep breaths and be present.
If you would like to hire caregivers for your loved one to take care of when you are busy, then contact Family Always First Home Health Care and inquire about our CDPAP program at 855–965–4145 now!
