How To Communicate with Someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

When someone you love has dementia, youll notice that things are changing quickly. When they make mistakes and fumble with the little things, our instinct is to correct and remind. Thats to be expected. After all, youre hoping that a little push and a dose of reality would be enough to lead them back to the person you know and love.As you will see below, corrections and reminders wont always work. Effective communication with a dementia patient requires an adjustment of expectations. In the following, well get you started.Forced choicesEveryone likes to have a choice. But having too many options can actually be confusing to a patient with dementia. Thats because their working memory is operating in limited capacity. Working memory is where the brain retains just the right amount of information to finish a task think of dialing a new phone number. So you can see how loss of working memory can be problematic in conversation and hinder decision-making.Thats where the forced choice method can lift that burden for your loved one, and cut the confusion. Watch the video here.Help with sequencingWe take basic daily tasks for granted: eating, standing, brushing our teeth. Though these tasks feel natural and automatic, we rely on the frontal lobe to help us complete these tasks. When someone is experiencing dementia, the brain degeneration can make them lose their ability to access this command center. When you see your loved one freeze, as if in confusion, you can help them through the basic task with sequencing, by breaking down the tasks into simple steps. This video about sequencing provides some examples.The therapeutic fibYou can never go wrong with the truth, or so youre taught. But when it comes to dementia and Alzheimers, the truth actually has a cruel side. Because when someone is living with degenerative memory, they sometimes lose track of key details of their loved ones. The fact that a partner or a child is deceased or gone can literally be forgotten. In cases like these, telling the truth can be devastating it will be as if theyre hearing this horrible news for the first time. This is where a therapeutic fib can get you both through the difficult moment, and this video explains how.Admit wrongdoing when youre rightSpeaking of truth, sometimes your loved one with dementia will get basic things wrong. They may insist, for example, that they cant possibly be a grandparent because in their mind, theyre only 25 years old! This can be a painful moment, because this represent a loss in your relationship with them and you want to hold on. But fighting these beliefs is futile. This video will show you how to gently move past the conversation.Repeating themselvesHearing the same story, especially if they think youre hearing it for the first time, can get frustrating. The wrong response is trying to make them understand theyve already told it. In this segment, well show you how to get through the moment.The important thing to remember is when a person has dementia or Alzheimers, the brain is going through massive changes. That can be difficult to take. Take a look at this video, Whats Happening to Their Brain?, so you can put yourself in their shoes. Understanding whats at work can go a long way in good communication when your loved one has dementia.Learn more about how we provide specialized care in our series Insights from Arthurs featuring educational videos from Arthurs Director of Development and Senior Care Consultant Deb Nygaard. 

Memory care facilities play a crucial role in maintaining the independence and dignity of seniors living with cognitive impairments. For families seeking an assisted living facility in Burnsville, Minnesota, understanding how these facilities encourage self-sufficiency can provide peace of mind. Personalized Care Plans Each resident in a memory care facility receives a personalized care plan that caters to their unique needs. These plans are designed to balance support with opportunities for independence, ensuring that seniors engage in daily activities that promote self-reliance. This approach is integral to providing high-quality senior care in Minnesota. Structured Routines Memory care facilities implement structured routines that help residents maintain a sense of control over their lives. Predictable schedules and familiar environments allow seniors to manage their daily tasks with minimal assistance, fostering a sense of autonomy. This structured yet flexible environment is a hallmark of facilities offering waivered care services. Engaging Activities Regularly scheduled activities tailored to residents abilities are a cornerstone of memory care. These activities not only stimulate cognitive function but also encourage social interaction and personal growth. Residents are often given choices in their activities, which further reinforces their independence. Supportive Environment The physical design of memory care facilities is intentionally crafted to promote safe navigation and ease of movement. Clear pathways, labeled rooms, and accessible outdoor spaces allow residents to explore their surroundings confidently, reducing the need for constant supervision. This supportive environment is critical in offering 24 hour care without compromising independence. Dignity through Respectful Care Staff members in memory care facilities are trained to provide care that respects each residents dignity. This includes encouraging participation in personal care routines and respecting residents choices, which are essential in preserving their self-esteem and dignity. Memory care facilities like Cardenas Friendship Homes are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Families looking for compassionate care should contact us to learn more about our services.

Finding the perfect balance between wellness and community is essential for a fulfilling senior living experience. At an assisted living facility in Burnsville, Minnesota, residents enjoy a supportive environment where their health and social needs are prioritized. These facilities are designed to offer more than just assistance with daily activitiesthey provide a vibrant community where seniors can thrive, stay active, and enjoy meaningful interactions.When it comes to senior care in Minnesota, choosing the right environment can make all the difference. Facilities in Minnesota focus on delivering personalized care plans that address both physical and emotional well-being. From tailored health services to engaging activities, these care facilities ensure that seniors receive the attention they need while also fostering a sense of belonging and community.For those needing specialized support, waivered care services are an integral part of senior care. These services offer customized assistance for individuals with specific needs, such as advanced medical conditions or unique personal preferences. By incorporating waivered care into their senior living options, facilities can provide more comprehensive care solutions that cater to each residents requirements, enhancing their overall quality of life.Ultimately, senior living is about creating a space where wellness and community come together harmoniously. By choosing a facility that prioritizes both, seniors can enjoy a rich, fulfilling lifestyle surrounded by supportive peers and compassionate caregivers. Its about more than just meeting basic needsits about nurturing a thriving, engaged community that supports each residents unique journey.If youre looking for a senior living community where wellness meets community, contact Cardenas Friendship Homes today to explore our comprehensive care options and discover how we can support your loved ones needs.