Watching a loved one live with dementia can be heartbreaking. Luckily, there are many strategies to maintain their quality of life. Communication is integral, along with home health care services. Adjusting how you speak and interact with your loved one can overcome limiting dementia symptoms, and below are a few strategies to start using right away.

How to Interact a Loved One Who Has Dementia

1. Rethink Communication

Dementia patients struggle to connect ideas due to memory loss, making problem-solving and maintaining attention difficult. To avoid frustration, speak directly, slowly, and maintain eye contact. Talk in a quiet place and use a simpler vocabulary. Your loved one can better understand what you’re saying and then formulate responses. This is important when they need to convey information about their needs or dementia systems to share with their home health care professional.

2. Recognize Triggers

As dementia progresses, environmental and lifestyle factors can take a greater toll on your loved one. Loud noises, for instance, may startle them or cause anxiety. Too many distractions or low lighting can lead to confusion. Often, you’ll recognize these triggers based on your loved one’s energy levels and attitude. Keep a notepad and write down what’s going on when you notice mood swings, sadness, and even happiness. Assess what’s going on around them, if they’ve eaten, or if they’ve slept well. You’ll gradually build a list of triggers.

3. Be Patient & Listen

Because it can take a long time for your loved one to put their thoughts together, it’s important you’re patient with them. They may forget what they’re saying mid-sentence, for example, or become overly emotional because of confusion. Don’t rush them because it only causes more frustration. Instead, take a breath and focus on listening.

If you or a loved one needs help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There is also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your home health care needs or visit them online to learn more about their services.