Fox Run 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 Fox Run Senior Living we have some ideas and suggestions to help you have successful visits with your loved ones.

The family member certainly impacts how the visit will go. They should always keep their tone and body language friendly and positive. It is important to adjust to their loved one, to engage in the moment with both eye contact and touch.

Certain times are better than others to visit someone with dementia. Every person is different, so it is best to check with their caregiver or someone at the community to see what time they think would be best. When it is time to end your visit, leave on a positive note with reassurance you will return.

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.