How to Talk to a Loved One Diagnosed with Dementia

How to Talk to a Loved One Diagnosed with Dementia

Hearing the doctor break the news “your mom has dementia” is going to get your mind spiraling. It’s going to make you think “how on earth could something like this happen?” despite knowing that events like this do happen, especially to older individuals.

To be a good memory care provider, you’ll have to go through a ton of ups and downs. Some of those down moments will be when you’ll say something offensive or hurtful that you didn’t really mean to. Whether it be because you were angry or were simply too stressed out, it’s so easy to lash out on people when your emotions aren’t under control.

Putting your loved one’s care in the hands of seasoned memory care providers is an excellent idea. Consider collaborating with renowned providers of Non-Medical Home Care in San Jose, California as they can offer the services your family needs.

Saying the Right Things

We’re so often told that we don’t have to say the right things all the time. Well, in this case, we really do, as words could easily be misinterpreted and misunderstood by our loved one. In any case, when you do find out your parent has just been diagnosed with dementia, you’ll likely be at a loss for words. However, the first thing you’ll want to do is hold your loved one’s hand and give them reassurance that you’re in this together.

Keep these essential tips in mind when talking to a senior loved one with dementia:

  • Preparation is the key to good conversations
    When a loved one of yours has dementia, it’s vital to do some research. What is the best way to act around them? How do you put patients with dementia at ease? Make sure you know about all the different phases of the condition too. Gathering all the necessary information will help you know when the best time to open a dialogue.
  • Reassurance
    There are a few things worse then discovering you’re about to lose your memory. Imagine what your elderly loved one must have been experiencing as the news was broken to them. While it’s not going to be easy for either of you, what you can do is reassure your loved one that you will be there for them every step of the way.
  • Always be mindful of your tone
    Sometimes the stress is going to get the better of us and we might take it out on our loved ones. No matter what you’re feeling, it’s always important to adopt a gentle tone of voice when talking to individuals with dementia. Your loved one is going through so much and it’s important to make them feel valued.

Got any more tips on how to talk to someone who has dementia? You’re more than welcome to share your insights on the comment section below.

Take advantage of top-notch Home Care Services in California, like Boundless Care, Inc., and help give a relative with dementia live the life they deserve.

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