top of page
Search

Tips on visiting someone with dementia

peter6959

A visit to someone with dementia can be a slightly daunting experience, as we are conscious of wanting to understand / be understood whilst also avoiding causing any distress. Everyone we visit will react differently, but here are some simple suggestions on some steps that can make the visit a fulfilling and productive one for both parties.


First impressions


We all know the old adage that first impressions count. When visiting a person with dementia, how you start the visit and initiate conversation makes a real impact. Consider your demeanour and body language in order to make the person feel comfortable.


  • Wear something bright or colourful

  • Approach from the front (don't tap them on the back or shoulder)

  • Smile and make eye contact, sit at the same level

  • Be positive, reassuring and patient

  • Listen and give enough time for for answers and comments


Wear something bright and cheerful!
Wear something bright and cheerful!

Conversation


It is imperative to adapt your tone, choice of language and sentence length in order to ensure the other person can follow what you are saying. If you need to broach something specific with a person with dementia, you need to strike a balance between allowing the person to express themselves whilst gently steering the conversation back to the matter at hand. Speaking slowly and calmly will pay dividends.


  • Speak slowly and clearly, use short sentences and make one point at a time

  • Tell stories in bite-sized pieces and avoid talking for extended periods without interaction from the other person

  • Avoid ‘should’, ‘must’, ‘don’t’ and ‘no’ – they can make a person feel patronised

  • Never try and bring the person back to the present, but acknowledge their reality and validate the feelings behind their words

  • Don’t take it personally if the person becomes angry or upset with you – they may be trying to communicate an unmet need


Things to do together


The setting for your visit is very important, as are planning some activities to encourage the person to reconnect with their environment and memories. There are lots of simple, fun things you can do together that can be both stimulating and relaxing for the person, improving their overall mood. A person's interests and life experiences might give you some pointers on the sort of activity you could suggest.


Art is a way someone with dementia can connect with the past
Art is a way someone with dementia can connect with the past

  • Find a quiet, comfortable place: try to limit distractions and excess noise from the environment

  • Go outside: outdoor and nature-based experiences form some of our strongest emotional memories

  • Reconnect through memories: consider bringing in something meaningful that might unlock these memories – a book, photo, piece of music etc

  • Never talk about the person in front of them, as though they are not there

  • Always let the person you are visiting lead the way and involve them in decision-making on what to do


5 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page