Memory loss frequently leads to a decline in communication abilities, so you might start looking for creative methods to connect with your loved one. As dementia worsens, caretakers frequently start to notice that their loved ones are repeating themselves, losing their train of thought, addressing people wrongly, calling objects by the wrong name, or simply speaking less and less.
Person-centered dementia care, also referred to as the culture change model, provides a comprehensive method of caregiving by emphasizing the person’s strengths rather than their weaknesses. It understands that in order to provide the highest level of treatment, the caregiver-patient relationship is crucial. Additionally, in order to maintain this connection, the words the caretaker uses can have a big impact on the person’s care and quality of life.
Let’s see how a memory care property in Rio Rancho, NM, embraces positive language with their residents.
Positive Aspects of Communication in Memory Care
Finding methods to connect and communicate with someone who has dementia will be much simpler if you concentrate on their strengths. Team members at memory care property in Rio Rancho, NM, focus on maintaining eye contact, interpreting body language and nonverbal signals, and being patient with residents who have dementia. It’s crucial to make sensible word choices as well.
According to studies, the quality of life of a person with dementia can be improved by using positive words when providing care. Professional caregivers keep in mind and comprehend that personality or behavioral changes are one of the typical signs of dementia. As a result, when a senior resident in memory care behaves strangely or negatively, the medical condition is to blame. Caregivers at memory care property in Rio Rancho, NM, are trained to stay composed, softly contact, and speak soothing words to residents to show their understanding of frustration felt by dementia sufferers instead of reacting negatively.
Communicate Effectively with Your Loved Ones
In dementia care, encouraging words shouldn’t come off as patronizing. Our team members give genuine compliments and words of support.
When communicating with someone who has memory, it’s critical to learn how to avoid challenging behavioral expressions. For instance, rather than trying to explain that you are already at home, ask your loved one what they enjoy most about it if they start talking about wanting to “go home” while you are already there. In other terms, enter their world with them. Use succinct language and pose straightforward yes-or-no questions. Give enough time to respond. You’re acknowledging that your loved one’s present reality might not be the same as your own, rather than becoming frustrated and upset.
A smile can occasionally be the most effective communication tool for a loved one who is suffering from dementia. In some circumstances, calming the person down with just a smile or a gentle touch may be all that is required. Due to the way information is stored in the brain, dementia patients have been shown to be better at recognizing nonverbal signals than verbal cues. Long before the hippocampus ceased to function properly, nonverbal signals were already being stored in the brain.
Find out which approach benefits you and your loved one the most. In this manner, you can make sure that your bond remains powerful throughout the entire course of the illness. In our assisted living memory care facilities, dementia care is person-centered and wellness-based.
