Effective Ways to Talk to an Elderly Parent with Dementia

It can be difficult to understand what your loved ones really want from life. That’s especially true if they have dementia — a progressive brain disease that gradually affects memory, judgment, and other mental functions.

Your loved one with dementia may become frustrated by their inability to communicate in ways that make sense to them. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up on them or the relationship you share together.

You just need to learn how to talk to an elderly parent with dementia in a way they can understand and appreciate. It can be stressful for everyone involved when your loved one begins showing symptoms of dementia.

This article covers everything you need to know about talking to an elderly parent with dementia. From tips on how best to do it, the top things you should avoid doing and 5 fantastic ways you can help your elderly parent feel happier and more connected again if they are showing signs of cognitive decline.

Talk to an elderly parent with dementia in the morning

Many people with dementia find it easier to communicate in the morning than at night. This is because their minds are generally clearer and less cluttered with other thoughts at this time.

This can make it easier for you to ask your loved one questions and get them to tell you things you might not have known before. You can also use this time to get your elderly parent used to the idea of you talking to them and asking them questions.

Where possible, try to keep the tone of your conversations in this phase of the day rather than during the night when they are more likely to be in a state of confusion.

Don’t talk to your elderly parent with dementia when they are angry

It can be tempting to talk to your loved one when they are angry. However, this is likely to make them more upset rather than less so. Instead, try to identify ways you can approach the problem that won’t make your parent feel so angry in the first place.

This could be by avoiding arguments and being more mindful of your tone and how you ask questions. By taking this approach, you can help prevent your loved one from becoming angrier and more frustrated as a result.

Avoid arguing

It is lovely to talk to your elderly loved one about their day. You might want to ask if they are happy or see what you can do to help them with their situation if they are unhappy about something.

Try to identify ways you can approach situation while being mindful of your tone and how you ask questions when you notice your parent being frustrated.

Help your elderly parent stay connected

It can be frustrating for an elderly parent with dementia if they are struggling to stay connected with their loved ones. You might feel like you have to constantly remind your loved one to eat and drink and take their medication regularly.

It can be frustrating to have to repeat yourself so often. However, it is important that you do keep reminding your elderly loved one to stay connected. If you find it difficult to remind them, try to find different ways to keep them engaged and connected with life.

You could try to create opportunities for your loved one to be involved in activities together or try keeping your loved one’s room tidy so they have somewhere to focus their attention.

Find opportunities to be active together

Many elderly people with dementia take an interest in nature and the outdoors. This can make it easy to involve your loved one in activities outside.

For example, you could go walking or hiking together as part of a weekly routine. You could also try to organize social events together such as going to a café or museum for an afternoon or evening together. This can help your loved one feel connected to the world around them and less lonely.

Help an elderly parent with dementia feel happier

Another way to keep your loved one feel feeling happy is to help them to stay connected to the present. For example, you could try to organize activities that your loved one can participate in while keeping them busy and engaged.

• Engage in meaningful activities together: Participate in activities that your parent enjoyed before their dementia diagnosis, such as gardening, playing games, or cooking.
• Provide sensory stimulation: Encourage your parent to touch, smell, and taste familiar objects and foods to evoke positive memories.
• Maintain a routine: Establish a daily routine for your parent, including regular meal times, exercise, and social activities.
• Encourage socialization: Connect your parent with others who also have dementia, or participate in group activities together, such as a support group or hobby club.
• Use music, art, and other creative expressions: Encourage your parent to express themselves through creative outlets, such as singing, painting, or writing. These activities can help stimulate their brain and bring joy to their day.

Takeaway:

In conclusion, caring for a parent with dementia can be a challenging but rewarding experience. These strategies can bring joy and comfort to your parent and strengthen the bond between you. Remember to be patient, understanding, and provide emotional support to both your parent and yourself.

Want to learn more?

ConsidraCare’s caregivers are trained to offer professional support and companionship to seniors. Please reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com or call us at 1-855-410-7971 to arrange care for a loved one.