When someone you love is in a nursing home and suffering from dementia, it can be worrying and sometimes frustrating to try and have a conversation with them. Their train of thought may wander, and they may not even know who you are. Use the following tips to help you maintain your relationship and provide your loved one the support they need.

How to Communicate With Someone Who Has Dementia

1. Talk With Them Normally

Seniors deserve to be treated with respect and spoken to as adults. No matter how disoriented your loved one may seem, never talk to them as you would a child.

Using a higher-pitched voice can be condescending. Instead, speak as you usually would. This will help your loved one feel like themself and ease any frustration.

2. Use a Calm & Measured Voice

Speak calmly and in a measured cadence. This helps your loved one hear you and understand your words. Try not to raise your voice or lose your temper.

Keep your sentences short, concise, and straightforward. Look them in the eye, and make sure you have their attention when you start to speak. A gentle touch is often enough to get their notice.

3. Laugh & Smile

Nursing homes make many visitors nervous. Your conversation will proceed more pleasantly if you can smile and laugh with each other and don't place undue pressure on the exchange. Try to chuckle about any mistakes or misunderstandings that occur and offer a genuine smile.

Feel free to make jokes and reminisce about humorous incidents instead of asking a barrage of questions. Even if the stories don't seem to connect or make much sense, just try to enjoy your loved one's company.

If you're seeking a nursing home for your loved one with dementia, contact Longhorn Village, a respected retirement community and memory care center in Austin, TX. They offer multiple types of medical care and assisted living services for people of every level of independence. They’ve served Travis County seniors since 2009. Learn more about them on their website or call (512) 266-5600 to make an appointment. Contact (512) 382-4664 to discuss their health care services.