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

We let the resident determine the mood and activities when visitors come. Family members can make the visit more pleasant for someone with dementia by bringing food the resident likes, reminiscing items, grand and great grandchildren, pets, or anything that will give them a nostalgic feeling.

Visits earlier in the day may be better, before sundowning has begun. We welcome visitors at any time, but earlier in the day is usually best.

When ending a visit with someone with dementia you should not say goodbye and always end on a positive note. Some visitors say they have to leave to complete a task but will return. Others find an opportunity to leave when the resident’s attention is somewhere else.

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.