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Practical Ways to Build Connection with Someone with Dementia: Tips from Sam
Caring for someone living with dementia comes with its unique challenges, but building meaningful connections with them can make a significant difference. Small, intentional actions can help foster stronger bonds between caregivers and their loved ones. Here are some practical suggestions from our dementia expert, Samantha Humphreys, for creating a supportive and engaging environment.
Choose Your Battles
One of the common experiences in dementia care is the potential for confusion or disagreements over seemingly small matters. In these situations, it’s important to choose your battles wisely. For instance, if a loved one insists that they’ve already watched a particular TV show, it’s often best to agree with them rather than correct them. This approach helps to reduce stress for both parties and maintains a peaceful atmosphere. When the focus shifts away from minor disagreements, there’s more space to focus on positive interactions.
Apps and Games for Engagement
Technology can be a valuable tool in dementia care. Apps like Dementia Australia’s A Better Visit. This app includes interactive games such as simple puzzles that reveal familiar images, which can prompt conversation and connection. These types of games are easy to navigate and can create joyful, shared experiences, even for those with advanced dementia. They provide moments of interaction that are often challenging to achieve in other ways.
Memory Boards or Cubes
Creating memory boards or memory cubes filled with photos from the past is another great way to stimulate conversations. Visual prompts like these can help individuals with dementia reminisce about loved ones, favourite holidays, or cherished experiences. You never know what will trigger a memory, and giving people the right tools to engage, can unlock forgotten moments.
Get to Know the Person
Getting to know the person beyond their diagnosis is crucial in building connection. Download our What Matters to me Dementia Booklet, which includes questions about preferences, nicknames, and favourite topics of conversation. Understanding what makes your loved one happy helps you create a comfortable environment. Learn their preferences, whether they prefer summer or winter, cars or buses, or what they were passionate about before the diagnosis.