For someone living with dementia, social isolation can significantly impact them and their moods. Isolation isn’t always being physically alone, but rather them being unintentionally excluded in a room full of people. Here are 4 tips on how to include your loved one who is living with dementia.
Tamar Krebs shares 4 tips that might help you engage your loved one, and keep them included at family and friend gatherings.
- Consider smaller gathering rather than a large overstimulating gatherings, so that the person living with dementia can participate easily in conversations, and enjoy the moment.
- Instead of having a 3 hour lunch or dinner, you may choose to have a shorter time frame for the meal so that the person living with dementia is at their best all the way through the gathering.
- If you’re going away and your loved one is at risk of being on their own, try and plan for someone to pop in and check in on your loved one daily, or you may even consider respite care (If you are considering respite, please ensure it’s the right type of environment and that they have time to settle before you go away).
- Predictability is important. You may want write in a diary the time of gathering, what time they should be ready and the person that will be picking them up. For some, they may need you to choose the clothing they need to wear to the gathering. Helping your loved one by marking the dates and times in a diary or on a calendar can become a visual prompt for your loved one living with dementia.
If we can assist with answering any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Resident Relations Manager for support on 1300 733 812 or email Group Homes Australia Home Support Office.
For Healthcare professionals, check out “Do it Differently” the webinar series hosted by Tamar Krebs, Founder, Group Homes Australia.
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