Our connection to others is one of the most important experiences as a human being. It’s what holds families together and makes a community strong. Learning how to adapt to the changes dementia can bring is the key to keeping your connection to a loved one living with dementia.

It is important to take cues from your loved one while communicating. If they are having difficulty finding the right word, then use context clues to prompt the conversation. If their attention span has diminished, take note if something has caught their eye or perhaps they may be hungry, tired, or need a restroom.

Five Activities To Help You Connect With Your Loved One Living With Dementia

Activities of daily living (ADL’s) 

Your loved one living with dementia may need help with activities of daily living such as getting dressed, bathing, brushing teeth or using a bathroom. Assisting with ADL’s helps to connect and gives the caretaker an opportunity to notice any changes that may occur. 

Let your loved one set the pace while completing ADL’s and refrain from yes/no questions. Instead of asking, “Did you brush your teeth?” Prompt or guide your loved one by giving reminder statements like, “brush your teeth.” If your loved one is resistant, then move on to another ADL and come back to the task after a few minutes. 

Reminisce About the Good Old Days

Take a stroll down memory lane and prompt your loved one to talk about stories from their youth, occupation or travels. Keep photo albums out to look through together or watch an old movie while sharing some popcorn. 

Spend Time Outdoors

Going outside on a nice day has many benefits in addition to connecting with your loved one living with dementia. For example, walking can decrease pain in joints and muscles, as well as reduce symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. 

Indoor Activities 

Your loved one has spent decades taking care of tasks around the house and enjoying hobbies. Continue doing those activities and find new ways to connect with each other. Anything from folding laundry to doing dishes or working on puzzles to cooking together can be helpful. Add some music to these activities to bring greater joy!

Gentle Touch

Touch is helpful in not only improving your connection to your loved one living with dementia, but is another technique that can lessen anxiety or depression symptoms. Offer a hand massage with lotion, dance to some music or simply give a hug and gently massage your loved one’s back.

Prioritizing safety is essential when you have a loved one living with dementia 

As you find new ways to connect to your loved one living with dementia, it is important to think about safety first. Talk with your doctor about community resources for aging in place. Some of these resources are free and can help you determine present and future safety needs. 

Contact UJCES today and learn how we can help with home care services for seniors.