Kingsland Walk Senior Living Discusses How to Have Meaningful Visits With Someone Living With Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. When someone is diagnosed with dementia, at least two parts of the brain are dying. Dementia is progressive, chronic, and terminal, which creates many challenges.  Relationships continue to be vital to families, regardless of a dementia diagnosis. At Kingsland Walk Senior Living we have some ideas and suggestions to help you have successful visits with your loved ones.

Any interaction with a family member or friend can impact a visit. If the family or friend’s approach is positive and polite, this will set the tone of the visit. Visitors can never go wrong by bringing the resident’s favorite snacks to start the conversation.

In general, mornings are the best time to stop by. In the morning, a person living with dementia is more alert and engaging. In the evening, it may be difficult to have an impactful visit due to sundowning, but not impossible.

How you should end the visit depends on the person. If the family is aware that saying “goodbye” would trigger the loved one, then “goodbye” should be avoided. Try more assuring phrases like, “see you later” or “I’ll be back.”

We hope this information has given you some fresh tips and ideas for visiting someone living with dementia. Quality connections are essential for the person living with the disease, as well as yourself. If your visit still doesn’t go well, don’t beat yourself up. Every day is a new day. Be patient and you will figure out what works best. Giving your time to someone living with dementia is the best gift possible.