First came the request to limit visits to the retirement community. Next caregivers were screened before entering and asked to only come for essential visits. Now no visits are allowed under any circumstance.
While each new level of social distancing is necessary and appropriate, every additional layer increases social isolation for older adults living in extended care facilities or nursing homes. Caregivers must replace usual visits with a phone call which can be particularly challenging when communicating with someone with dementia. Without the usual visual cues and hands-on assistance, caregivers have to be more perceptive than ever during conversations.
To help make calls as beneficial as possible, it’s good to take a quick refresher from the National Institute on Aging on the basics of communication challenges caused by dementia.
Here’s a few common issues experienced by your loved one with dementia:
- Trouble blocking out background noises like the radio, TV or conversations: Ask your loved one to move to a quiet place or ask staff members to help ensure your elderly loved one is in a quiet place and has turned off the television
- Finding the right word and losing train of thought when speaking: Ask questions that require a yes or no answer instead of open-ended questions. If they struggle to find the right word, they might need a prompt or two to help, but avoid quickly finishing their sentences for them – make sure they have the chance to express their own thoughts.
- Understanding what words mean: If they do not understand the first time you say something, try re-phrasing.
- Processing a large amount of information, following a long conversation, or remembering how to do basic activities: If you need to explain something or give instructions, offer information in a simple, step-by-step way. It may help to re-send information or instructions in an email to your loved one or to a staff member if that is possible.
- Frustration with communicating: It can be hard to keep repeating things but try remembering how hard it is for them before you say, “I just explained that” or “we spoke about that 5 minutes ago.” More now than ever, they need you to listen and be patient.
A silver lining to stay–in–place orders is that many people have more time in their schedule. Now is a great time to encourage other family members and friends to call your older loved one. Be sure to share these pointers if they don’t have experience talking to people with dementia.