There’s no denying it: communicating with someone with dementia can be difficult. They may not understand what you’re saying as they lose memory and cognitive function.
But the good news is that there are ways to make your conversations with a loved one easier and more productive. Here are suggestions for getting through to them:
- Use gestures when possible. Pointing at an object or motioning toward the door can help a person understand what you mean.
- Speak slowly and clearly. When you speak slowly, you give them more time to process what you say, which will make it easier for them to understand you.
- Keep it simple. Use short sentences and short words. Don’t try to give too many details at once—just one idea at a time.
- Don’t expect immediate answers. People with dementia may have trouble understanding what’s being said, or they might not remember the question that was asked of them. Don’t get frustrated if they don’t answer right away. Give them time.
At Heartbeat Health & Homecare Agency LLC, we understand the difficulty of communicating with and caring for a loved one with memory loss or other signs of dementia—and our nursing care in New York is here to help.
We offer live-in care in New York to help make sure your loved one receives the best quality of life possible.
Our team of caregivers is trained to provide home care services, including personal care in Middletown, New York.
We believe in client-centered care and will work with your loved one to create a personalized plan based on their needs and wants.
If you have any questions about our dementia care services or how we can help your family, please contact us today!
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