Talking to someone with dementia can be very difficult and emotionally draining should this happen to be a close relative or friend. Even when people live with dementia, they’re still likely to entertain the idea of conversations, and when this happens, it’s important you reply with the right things.
Even when conversations become hard to follow, you must be cautious of the fact that saying the wrong thing at inappropriate times could lead to further stress for the person living with dementia. Below, we have taken a close look at certain things which may prove unsuitable when talking to someone living with dementia.
Don’t ever point out that they’re completely off the mark, because from their perspective, what they’re saying makes perfect sense, and to suggest otherwise could leave them feeling even more confused. It can be hard to play along with things which are blatantly incorrect, so just consider the benefit this provides them from a mental health perspective.
Even when consistent home care dementia support has been put into place, they will probably find it tough remembering even the most basic information. It’s lovely being able to reminisce about older times, especially if this centres around birthdays or weddings, however their recollection is most likely going to be blurred. Prompting them to recall anything could leave them feeling stressed, and even embarrassed.
Try to be patient with them and if you do need to repeat yourself on the odd occasion, try not to point this out so explicitly. Simply repeat what you said, rather than highlighting their problems, the likes of which are probably something they’re consciously unhappy about. The key is guiding them the best way you can, and this does mean treating them with respect whenever you open up conversations.
Make conversations the simplest they can be, which often means being very careful about the style of questioning you ask. Avoid open questions which could garner a variety of responses and instead, focus on giving them two distinct choices. Try to find the most efficient way to get either a yes or no reply from them.
By keeping conversation streamlined to better serve the implications of their condition, you should find talking is much easier, but when this does shift, never point out that their dementia is the reason. It can be an emotionally draining condition to live with, so the best approach is helping them live a life which steers the focus away from what they’re living with.
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