The Parkway Senior Living Discusses How to Have Meaningful Visits With Someone Living With Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. When someone is diagnosed with dementia, at least two parts of the brain are dying. Dementia is progressive, chronic, and terminal, which creates many challenges.  Relationships continue to be vital to families, regardless of a dementia diagnosis. At The Parkway Senior Living we have some ideas and suggestions to help you have successful visits with your loved ones.

Family members or friends greatly impact how the visit will go. It is important to set the tone for how the interactions will proceed. Having a certain expectation of how a visit is supposed to go does not set the Memory Care Neighborhood or the residents up for success. Families are encouraged to join in the resident’s activities. Participating in their routine often helps residents feel included and loved.

Everyone with this disease will have different times that are best to visit them, however visiting during the day is found to be the best for most residents.

Each person is different, like each visit can be different. Avoid saying “goodbye” to your loved one. Try to end your visit on a positive and calm note. You may find you need a staff member to distract your loved one with an activity they enjoy. Ensure you can keep an open line of communication for your residents and their families.

We hope this information has given you some fresh tips and ideas for visiting someone living with dementia. Quality connections are essential for the person living with the disease, as well as yourself. If your visit still doesn’t go well, don’t beat yourself up. Every day is a new day. Be patient and you will figure out what works best. Giving your time to someone living with dementia is the best gift possible.