The Parkway Senior Living Memory Care Discusses Creating Engagement with Someone Living with Dementia

In a world that thrives on communication, connection, and shared experiences, dementia poses unique challenges. It affects not only an individual’s memory, but also their very essence. As the number of individuals living with dementia continues to rise, it becomes increasingly important to explore ways to foster meaningful engagement.

Dementia can be an isolating and disorienting condition, creating a feeling of disconnect from the world they once knew and loved. However, beneath the surface of cognitive decline lies the enduring essence of the individual waiting to be nurtured and cherished. By embracing empathy, patience, and creativity we can create experiences that transcend memory loss and provide a lifeline to the person within.

Join us at The Parkway Senior Living on a journey to unlock the potential for engagement and connection with your loved one living with dementia. Together, we will discover the power of human connection that transcends the boundaries of memory, and in doing so, enrich the lives of those touched by this challenging condition.

Past hobbies and interests are important to know about someone. Despite an individual with dementia suffering from memory loss, their past interests strengthen their sense of identity. The past helps a person with dementia reflect on important information about themselves, by helping them connect with early events in their life, those that happened long before dementia. The past brings residents comfort by reminding them of special memories and other events important to them.  

Projects can be modified to reflect someone’s current abilities. Information can be presented visually and verbally. It is important to implement pursuits that address the needs of all individuals.

Engagement provides someone living with dementia a sense of purpose, being able to address issues related to living with dementia, their motivations, struggles, and barriers. Purposeful engagement is an important time to create social connection and reduce disconnect. Being offered an appropriate diversity of relationships that create a sense of belonging, and being cared for, valued, and supported is vital. These can be connected through conversation, gestures, and sense of accomplishment. 

When it comes to engaging someone living with dementia, patience, empathy, and creativity are the keys to fostering meaningful connections. By embracing a person-centered approach, we can unlock a world of possibilities, enabling individuals with dementia to continue experiencing joy, connection, and a sense of purpose. Remember, it’s not about fixing what’s broken, but rather cherishing the unique qualities that make each person special. Together we can create moments of engagement where those living with dementia are valued and cherished for who they are, not just who they were.