Dementia is a progressive condition, and in the early stages, most seniors continue to do things independently. As the symptoms worsen, cognitive health decreases, affecting many skills and actions. Continue reading to learn whether seniors with dementia can understand what’s being said to them and discover ways to enhance communication with your elderly parent.
Challenges of Connecting Multiple Ideas
With dementia, the body has difficulty responding to messages sent from the brain due to the connectivity problems caused by the condition. Dementia alters the way your senior loved one thinks, feels, and reacts.
Your parent may not understand what to do with the spoon on the table until you move the utensil to his or her mouth. Over time, understanding a crucial brain command such as walking away from a hot stove is difficult for seniors with dementia, which is why they should never be left alone as the condition worsens.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of homecare families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Moments of Clarity
It’s more challenging to remember essential information in the middle and late stages of dementia, but seniors may have occasional moments of clarity. Your loved one may not follow the conversation, but after hearing a specific sound or watching your expression, he or she may comprehend your question or the topic being discussed. Remain patient and give your loved one time to decipher what you’re saying. If your parent feels rushed, he or she could give up altogether or lash out at you and others.
The type of in-home care Fremont seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Frustration
In many situations, seniors with dementia know what they want to say but cannot find the right words, which often leads to anger and aggression. If you notice your loved one becoming agitated during a conversation, try to distract him or her with another activity until he or she has calmed down. After a few minutes, your loved one may remember what he or she wanted to say, easing the frustration.
Consistency
In the advanced stages of dementia, memory and cognitive skills are usually at their lowest, and your loved one may find it difficult to remember the names of familiar people, places, and objects. However, it could help if you remain consistent with your loved one’s schedule. Eating dinner every day at the same time and in the same room could provide some normalcy, even if your loved one is unaware of what’s taking place. The consistency could boost your loved one’s mental and emotional wellbeing, lowering the risk of combative behavior.
Communication Tips
Use both nonverbal and verbal communication strategies when asking questions or having a discussion with your loved one. Using your hand to point to a door could make more sense than asking your loved one if he or she wants to leave.
Remember to consider your loved one’s feelings when choosing phrases. The tone and emotions attached to how you relay a message or give a suggestion are often more powerful than the words you use. Always treat your parent with respect, regardless of the stage of the condition.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Fremont families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today to schedule a free in-home consultation.
