Ways to Properly Communicate with Seniors with Dementia in Phoenix, AZ

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Someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds. There were an estimated 46.8 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2015 which will almost double every 20 years and will reach 75 million in 2030 and 131.5 million in 2050. Much of the increase will be in developing countries. Already 58% of people with dementia live in low and middle income countries, but by 2050 this will rise to 68%. It can be challenging for family members to take care of their loved ones suffering from dementia. The best option is to go for an assisted living facility.

Being a resident of the Phoenix region in AZ, you can book a suite for your senior loved one at the award-winning Anthem Senior Living which consists of some of the most compassionate caregivers. Expect for your loved one to receive the best form of senior living in Anthem care and support. The senior health challenges that we work with are dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Bodies Dementia, high blood pressure, companionship care, wound care, bed bound patients, Feeding Tubes/Picc Lines, heart disease, cancer, Arthritis, respiratory diseases, diabetes, falls, depression, etc.

Seniors with dementia often have trouble communicating with loved ones as the disease progresses. Young adults often face difficulty in communicating with their parents or grandparents with dementia. It is advisable to communicate non-verbally through facial expressions, gestures and body language as sometimes dementia patients lose the ability to communicate verbally.

Tips to follow:

Be clear in stating your message- Use simple words & short sentences; speak slowly and softly; don’t go for long conversations, just stick to the point.

Meet your loved one’s needs– Pay attention to what they ask for or need and try to fulfill that; do observe their facial expressions which will give you an insight into what their requirements might be.

Ensure your loved one is attentive– Don’t start talking to your loved one out of the blue, make sure you have his or her attention. Minimize any distractions, address the person properly, lower yourself to the person’s eye level & maintain eye contact, you can use gestures and touch to communicate as well.

Validation– You need to assure them that you understand them, understand their feelings which will make them comfortable in speaking freely with you. Do not show that you are upset, it may upset them which may not prove to be good for their health and mind.

Participate in the person’s favorite activities– Patients with dementia need love and care more than anything else. Show them that you care. Engage in the person’s favorite activities with them. Enjoy the moment together.

Long-term memory– Long-term memory is the strongest type for a person with dementia, tap into that. Just bring up the happy experiences, not the sad ones.

At Anthem Senior Living in Phoenix, we have a beautiful suite available that is fully furnished, jack-n-jill bathroom adjacent. Can accommodate a Temperpedic adjustable bed, wall mounted TV, Lift Recliner etc. You’re more than welcome to use our furnishings or bring your own!