Tips for Communicating with a Parent with Dementia

By Jamie Shapiro | March 16, 2017 | Comments Off on Tips for Communicating with a Parent with Dementia
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Caregiver in Glenview IL: Tips for Communicating with a Parent with Dementia

Your loved one may be at various stages in their journey through aging and dementia. You may have noticed their increasing irritability, loss of memory or restlessness. Everyone is affected differently. It’s important to remember that your parent is not their personality; they are being affected by a disease that is destroying brain cells and tissue, resulting in their changing personality. Learning how to communicate with your loved one that is facing this disease helps both of you maintain a loving and healthy relationship as they progress through the stages.

  1. Don’t’ take it personally. This is the first suggestion for a reason. It will help you through all the other communication tips. If you do not take anything they do or say personally, you are way ahead of the game and can ensure a loving relationship.
  2. Remember that words are a very little part of communication.  Many suggest that 55 percent of communication is body language, 38 percent is tone of voice and 7 percent is the actual words. Place yourself in a loving frame of mind before initiating any conversation.
  3. Those with dementia can be easily distracted. Make it easier for them by limiting background noise and maintain a peaceful environment. This may include letting others know that when they enter your parent’s home they need to leave any stress behind. When initiating a conversation, turn off the TV and ask others in the environment to keep their voices low.
  4. Speak clearly and simply. Ask questions that can be answered with a yes or no.
  5. Your loved one may have a difficult time finding the correct word or phrase. Be patient. Let them finish their sentences if they can, but don’t hesitate to pitch in if it looks like it is a struggle.
  6. Be gentle. If not taking anything personally insured successful communication, being gentle insures a loving relationship. Look on the lighter side. Try to see the humor. Keep on keeping on.
  7. Redirect just as you would a child. When they become agitated or confused, draw their attention toward something calming and interesting.
  8. Respond to their confusion and anxiety with reassurance. Let them know that every things okay.
  9. As a primary family caregiver, you will be spending the most time with your loved one. You will be on the frontlines, so to speak, the first to see any changes in their behavior or physical attributes. Communicate with family members and others on their caregiving team to ensure a peaceful and predictable environment.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Jamie Shapiro
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