Tips for Communicating With Loved Ones With Dementia It Doesn’t Have to Be Frustrating
BE PATIENT AND LISTEN While this tip might seem intuitive, it can be incredibly hard to listen well — especially if your loved one takes a long time to answer a simple question. While you shouldn’t try to hurry their response along, you can suggest words if they seem stuck. Ultimately, though, what will mean the most to them is for you to listen and truly consider their words before responding. You should watch for any nonverbal cues and body language, and take those into account when responding. If you’re trying to help a family member who has been diagnosed with dementia, the road ahead might seem impossible. However, you should remember you’re not alone, and there are people who can help you. At Van Dyck Law, we can answer questions about making a plan with regard to your loved one’s condition. Call us today at (609) 580-1044.
Conversing with a loved one who has dementia can feel frustrating and time-consuming sometimes, but it doesn’t have to feel that way. By guiding the conversation and curating the environment for that conversation in a few key ways, you can make your conversations with loved ones with dementia not only bearable but also enjoyable and meaningful. Here are a few tips for your next conversation. KEEP DISTRACTIONS TO A MINIMUM When you want to talk to your loved one, find somewhere quiet and away from all the hustle and bustle. Turn off the TV and the radio and avoid crowded areas in cafes, restaurants, or stores. Instead, try to find somewhere less noisy, where it’s easy for you to hear one another, and where your loved one can focus fully on the conversation at hand. KEEP YOUR QUESTIONS SIMPLE Questions that people without dementia might find simple could be overwhelming to your loved one, causing them to become agitated. Even just asking them what they would like to eat, or what they want to wear can present too many choices. Instead, try asking them yes or no questions, such as whether they would like to wear a striped shirt or a polka-dotted shirt. Having simple choices with visual cues is far less frustrating for them.
Classic Pumpkin Soup
EMENTIA PRACTITIONER! This class is approved for eight continuing education credits for social workers, nurses*, certified assisted living administrators, licensed nursing home administrators, certified case managers, and certified activity directors. Please visit VanDyckFirm.com/cdp or reach out to Sheli Monacchio, director of Life Care Resources, for more information. Fiona Van Dyck, Esq., and Sheli are certified trainers (CADDCT) of this seminar, and we welcome our partners to contact us to schedule a private, socially distanced seminar for your team. *Nursing CE contact hours are available through CEU Network for a nominal fee paid to CEU Network. Such fees are not included in this seminar. It is the responsibility of the participant to send the additional fee to the CEU Network.
Pumpkins aren’t just for pie — they make delicious soup, too! This fall, try your hand at this healthy soup recipe and warm up with a bowl.
INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 shallots, diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 1/4 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned) • 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup canned light coconut milk • 2 tbsp honey • 1/4 tsp sea salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1/4 tsp cinnamon • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté olive oil, shallots, and garlic for 2–3 minutes. 2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer the soup to a blender and purée. Pour the blended soup back into the pan. 4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired, then serve!
Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
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