7 Important Things To Remember While Visiting An Elderly With Dementia

Sometimes, situations get challenging while visiting senior loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s because you may feel that they don’t seem to recognize you or they won’t remember that you have just visited them. However, research shows that visiting loved ones with dementia can still benefit them. They may enjoy your presence and may notice when you don’t visit them as frequent as you used to visit.

Things To Do When Visiting An Elderly Loved One With Dementia

While visiting a loved one with dementia it is crucial to remember some key points that many Senior Home Care Tucson professionals believe to have a positive impact on them.

1. Keep Practical Expectations

Prepare yourself to face the reality that they will not be able to recognize you and may show challenging and frustrating behavior. Ask their family or learn on your own about the time of their best mood, because normally you will find them being confused, frustrated and anxious, and try to schedule visiting them within that time frame.

2. Make Eye Contact While Communicating

It is vital that your elderly loved one with dementia sees you. Make sure to make direct eye contact down at their level and introduce yourself at first, so they don’t feel stressed and get embarrassed that they didn’t recognize you right away.

3. Speak Politely And Ask One Question At A Time

You must not only speak in a respectful manner but also slowly and clearly while repeating yourself as required  and don’t try to treat them like a little child or calm them down. Give them time to answer your questions one at a time, rather than confusing them with various questions at once.

4. Curtail Disturbance In The Room

When visiting a loved one with dementia, make sure to remove all sources of distraction in the room. Turn off the radio and TV, and if you are in a room that becomes busy and noisy with other people, move to another room where you can spend some alone time with them. Distractions make any sort of communication difficult for seniors with dementia.

5. Bring Along Some Mementos

Looking at old photos can spark memories in seniors who are dealing with dementia. Your elderly loved one will feel comfortable with familiar things and may even feel prompted to let you know the stories behind those souvenirs.


6. Read A Favorite Book Or Sing A Song

Studies have found many improvements in cognitive, speech and physical skills in Alzheimer’s patients by reading a book or singing a song to them. Bring along their favorite book and read a few pages out loud or an mp3 player loaded with their favorite songs to sing along.

7. Avoid Being Negative And Argumentative

Circumstances may get difficult for you and for them as well, remember not to argue with them or say something negative as it will benefit no one and will only hurt their feelings. Try to refocus and understand their feelings and do your best to comfort them.

Your senior love one with dementia or Alzheimer’s may no longer recognize you, but your presence can provide them with a soothing and enjoyable sense. Visit them regularly, not only during the holidays, to spend quality time with them. You can also look for a well known Home Care Assistance of Tucson service provider, who not only offers caregiving services but also helps seniors to maintain healthy lifestyle even with such health and cognitive conditions to find comfort in their golden years.