Ideas to help those living with dementia.

Communication tips

Communicating with a person with Dementia

Communication is more than just talking. Body language, physical contact, and tone of voice become very significant when a person has difficulty understanding words. A hug, a touch of hands, and a friendly tone of voice will likely help to reassure them. When all else fails, SMILE!

Always have a positive attitude

The person with dementia may have an increased sensitivity to other people's emotions and feelings and tends to mirror this. When others are tense and uptight, they feel the same way. Try not to get frustrated when they do something that seems perfectly normal to them and foolish to you.

Get the person's attention first

Before speaking, make sure you have eye contact; if they are seated, get down to their level. Address them by name, and use nonverbal cues to help keep them focused. Limit outside noise and distractions

Speak slowly and use simple words

Articulate well and use short sentences. If necessary, repeat your message or question, but always be patient in waiting for their reply ( they may feel pressured if you try to speed up their answer). Always try to listen for the meaning and feelings that underlie their words.

Be respectful of their feelings

Do not talk down to them or speak to them like a child. Never ridicule what they say. Instead, acknowledge their answer (even if it seems out of context) and show them you are paying attention.

Food & Drink

Dementia Meal Tips

Maintaining good nutrition and hydration is very important. Here are some suggestions to help with mealtimes:

Presentation

Offering a range of tastes, textures, colours and smells and serving food on aesthetically pleasing crockery can increase its attractiveness and stimulate appetite. It’s important to remember that the presentation of meals is just important as the taste of the food itself.

Variety

Variety is the key to increasing food intake-people eat 50% more food if there is variety. Although it can be beneficial to stick to a weekly meal plan, a few little treats now and again can help excite taste buds and make meal times an occasion to look forward to.

Happy Memories

Take the time to make a list of favourite foods that have positive associations (i.e. ice cream that recaptures fond memories of summers past etc.) Incorporating foods from this list into the diet now and again can be a great way of helping with memory recollection and ensuring that meal plans remain inspiring.

Easy Calories

When meal intake declines, often due to a lack of appetite or reduced ability to swallow, it’s a good idea to try and incorporate more easily digestible foods into the diet. Nutritious alternatives like soups, avocados and bananas are all good options packed with vital vitamins and nutrients. Adding cream to coffee or cream and cheese to mashed potatoes can also increase calories for someone with a smaller appetite.

The Alzheimer's Society can provide lots of support for people living with Dementia and their carers.

 If you would like to know more about what we can do to help you with your care needs then click here to contact us.