Assess Your Loved One’s Mood 

People with dementia often experience mood swings throughout the day. Before you try to have a serious conversation, check in with your loved one to see how he or she feels. If your loved one is relaxed and comfortable, he or she will be better able to communicate with you. 

Living with dementia can make it difficult for seniors to manage everyday tasks on their own. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. 

Capture Your Loved One’s Attention 

Your loved one may not always be able to tell when someone is talking to him or her. Begin your conversations by letting your loved one know you want his or her attention. For instance, you can say your loved one’s name or place your hand on his or her arm as you make eye contact. Then wait for a response that lets you know you have your loved one’s attention. 

Use Simple Sentences 

Although you should never talk down to your loved one, you may need to choose your words carefully to keep your statements clear. Try to use short, simple sentences and questions that allow your loved one to give a response. You can also use basic vocabulary to ensure his or her understanding. 

Provide Time to Clarify

It may take a little longer for your loved one to comprehend the meaning of a statement, or he or she may need more time to formulate an answer. Try to avoid filling in the blanks, and let your loved one speak for him or herself as much as possible. If you anticipate challenges during a specific conversation, make sure you don’t start it until you know there’s enough time to let your loved one respond.

Try Rephrasing Your Words 

Sometimes, family caregivers keep repeating the same questions in the hopes that their loved ones will understand. However, you may find that changing your word choices or switching from a question to a statement helps your loved one understand what you’re saying. After several tries, alter how you approach the conversation until you find the right way to get your point across.

Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Dana Point families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. 

Provide Physical Clues 

Your loved one may also begin to rely more on nonverbal communication as he or she faces difficulty with language comprehension. Use animated facial expressions and gestures to help you express your emotions verbally. You can also point toward the items you’re talking about or use pictures to further illustrate what you want to say. 

Know When to Take a Break

While using these tips helps with communication, there may be times when your loved one gets frustrated trying to talk. When frustration builds up, simply step away for a minute or ask another caregiver to step in. By keeping agitation down to a minimum, you can look forward to chatting with your loved one again. 

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands® Dana Point, a leading provider of senior home care that San Clemente, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (949) 426-7300 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.