June is Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the millions of individuals worldwide affected by Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Its a period for raising awareness, showing support for the affected, and fostering a better understanding of the brains health. This article offers practical conversation starters and communication tips that are especially beneficial for phone conversations with loved ones affected by Alzheimers or dementia, ensuring that whether theyre using a cell phone or a specialized landline service for seniors, your dialogue remains meaningful and connected.Communicating with Someone with DementiaWhen speaking to someone with dementia, its essential to use short, clear sentences and enunciate clearly. Speaking at an even pace allows the individual ample time to process the conversation. Repetition is also helpful, but its crucial to repeat sentences in exactly the same way to avoid confusion. Patience, positivity, and reassurance go a long way in making the conversation pleasant and fruitful. Encouraging the sharing of stories, especially from youth, can be particularly engaging, as these memories are often vivid and cherished.Conversation StartersOpen-ended questions are excellent conversation starters, focusing on positive experiences and memories. Here are some suggestions:What was your favorite job, and what did you enjoy most about it?Do you have a pet that holds a special place in your heart? What was your favorite memory with them?What vacation stands out to you as the most enjoyable, and why?What hobbies bring you joy, and how did you get started with them?Is there a family memory or holiday tradition that you particularly love?How did you meet your spouse or best friend, and what drew you to them?What kind of music or movies do you enjoy, and do you have a favorite?What piece of advice has stuck with you over the years?Tell me about your family. What are some of the things youre most proud of?Connecting Over Shared ExperiencesSharing personal experiences can create a bridge to more profound conversations. For example:I played sports in school. Did you have a favorite sport to play or watch?Im spending time with my dog, Princess. Did you have a pet growing up? What were they like?I loved riding bikes as a kid. Did you enjoy biking, and where was your favorite place to go?Visiting the farm was a highlight of my childhood. What was it like where you grew up?The weather is beautiful today. Whats your favorite season, and what do you like to do during that time?The Role of teleCalms Caregiver ServiceIncorporating teleCalms Caregiver service (https://teleCalmProtects.com/teleCalm-caregiver) into this dynamic can be a game-changer. This service is designed to facilitate worry-free communication between caregivers and their loved ones with Alzheimers or dementia. The service ensures that individuals can stay in touch with family and friends, helping to ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness. It provides tools that make phone calls simpler and less stressful for everyone involved, ensuring that conversations are a source of joy and not frustration.teleCalms Caregiver service is a landline phone service for seniors, offering features such as filtering out unwanted calls, both incoming and outgoing, while providing caregivers the ability to manage the service remotely to ensure safety and ease of use. By removing common communication barriers, teleCalm helps maintain the emotional well-being of individuals with dementia and their families, fostering a sense of normalcy and connection despite the challenges posed by the condition.Communication is a powerful tool in maintaining relationships and providing comfort to those with Alzheimers or dementia. By using the strategies outlined above and leveraging services like teleCalms Caregiver landline phone service for seniors, we can create a supportive environment that fosters connection and reduces the impact of isolation.Lets use Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month to spread knowledge, offer support, and make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. Remember, every conversation is an opportunity to show love, respect, and care.

Tired of the same familiar activities with your parents? It might be time to try something different. The experts at Naborforce, an on-demand service for seniors, have come up with a list of exciting activities to spend time with older parents:Glass-Blowing Session A glass-blowing session might be the last thing you would expect from a senior outing, but here at Naborforce, weve seen this as one of the most exciting experiences weve had on our platform! Make sure you research your host, as glass blowing instructions can vary. We partnered with The Glass Spot RVA, which had step-by-step guidance that resulted in a beautiful finished product, prompting our client to call it A Million Dollar Day. Dance Class for SeniorsWhat can be more fun than dancing in the middle of the day? This could be a great activity to do with Mom- whether its salsa or tap, she will have something to talk about for days. Plus, dance classes are a great way to encourage fun and active aging. Research by the National Institute on Aging shows that movement in older age strengthens the mind, which potentially delays the onset of certain debilitating diseases. Here at Naborforce, weve had our fair share of dance classes. Just the other day, one of our community members took our client to a line dancing class at Pine Camp Community Center in Richmond, VA. An Art Class Outing or At-Home Project Art expression is such a great way to calm the mind, hone in on creative skills and create new memories, essential components for independent aging. You might already know of an art class in your area or senior living community, but have you ever tried setting up something at home? Kits sold by Artful Aging are in-home watercolor packages that also come with instructional videos, perfect for senior DIY-ers!Build-A-Bear Workshop OutingIt might be a while since youve stepped foot inside a Build-A-Bear Workshop, where you can customize a stuffed animal with your personal preferences, down to including a note embedded in the toy! We love Build-A-Bear as an activity for older parents, mainly because we saw the impact during one of our Naborforce visits. Our client wanted to customize a teddy bear for his wife. He booked a Naborforce visit to accompany him to Build-A-Bear, where he recorded a heartwarming note in a voice box inside the bear. To this day, our clients wife cherishes this gift as a reminder of their love and connection.An Evening at the MuseumAfter youve tried an art class at home (see out-of-the-box idea #2), maybe its time to hone your art skills by going to a museum. Check out the events calendar at your local art museum to see if there are any special offerings or exhibitions.  As an example, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers many adult classes. If walking too much is a concern for your loved one, know that many places might offer wheelchair assistance. Plus, in the summer the local museum is a great way to cool down!

Moving elderly parents into a senior living community is a significant transition for the entire family. Its a time filled with mixed emotions, adjustments, and new routines. Amidst these changes, the importance of visiting senior parents cannot be overstated. Regular visits offer more than just a check-in; theyre fundamental to your parents emotional well-being and adjustment to their new living situation.Making Your ImpactHere are five compelling reasons why visiting your elderly parents after their move to a senior living community is essential:Emotional Support and Reassurance: The transition to a senior living community can be emotionally challenging for your parents. They might feel a sense of loss, uncertainty, or isolation. Your visits act as a critical source of emotional support. Seeing a familiar face provides comfort and reassurance, reminding them that they are loved and not forgotten.It can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, fostering a more positive outlook on their new life phase.Maintaining Family Bonds: Regular visits help maintain strong family bonds and keep the lines of communication open. Sharing stories, reminiscing about the past, or discussing current events helps your parents feel connected to the world outside their community. These interactions are crucial for preserving family ties and ensuring that your parents continue to feel an integral part of the family.Monitoring Well-being and Care: While senior living communities are designed to cater to the needs of their residents, nobody knows your parents like you do. Visiting allows you to monitor their well-being, ensuring they are healthy, happy, and receiving the proper care. Its also an opportunity to speak with staff and understand any changes in your parents health or behavior, allowing for timely interventions when necessary.Encouraging Socialization and Activity: When you visit, you bring energy and change into your parents routine. You can encourage them to engage in community activities, take them out for a change of scenery, or participate in social events together.This not only breaks the monotony but also encourages your parents to utilize the amenities and social opportunities their new home offers, enhancing their quality of life.Affirming Their Worth and Autonomy: Your visits are a powerful affirmation of your parents worth and autonomy.Affirming the worth and autonomy of elderly parents is vital, especially after they move to a senior living community. This act acknowledges their importance and decision-making power, fostering a sense of self-respect and dignity. By actively involving them in conversations, respecting their choices, and valuing their opinions, you help maintain their sense of identity and self-esteem. Such affirmation is crucial for their emotional well-being and can significantly boost their happiness and willingness to embrace their new living situation.By involving them in decisions, seeking their opinions, and listening to their stories and concerns, youre reinforcing their sense of self and importance. This can be incredibly empowering for elderly individuals, especially those adjusting to life in a senior living community.Visiting your elderly parents after theyve moved into a senior living community is about more than fulfilling a duty; its about nurturing a relationship that continues to evolve and adapt. Your presence can significantly impact their happiness, health, and overall adjustment to their new living situation.So, while life might get busy, remember that a visit to your aging parents is invaluable. Its an act of love and support that resonates deeply, providing comfort and connection during a time of significant change.