| Tips For Enhancing Your Visit |
| 4 |
Visit when you want to visit, not when you think
you should visit. |
| 4 |
What kind of message is being relayed to the resident
by your body language and your feelings? The person with
dementia sometimes has trouble understanding words; as
such, they tend to depend upon what they see and feel.
They will reflect back to you whatever emotions you are
feeling. People with dementia are like a mirror - they
will reflect back what the visitor is expressing. |
| 4 |
The resident with dementia is "living in the moment".
That is, people with dementia can only talk about things
they see, hear, feel, right now. This is their reality
and go along with it. |
| 4 |
Watch for fatigue. Signs of tiredness could include
repeating conversations, irritability, or walking away
from you or asking you to leave. A short visit is usually
better than a long one. We suggest 15 minutes to 30 minutes. |
| 4 |
Silence can be a shared and touching experience. Merely
sitting and watching is good. Ask the resident if you
can read to him/her, pray together, or sit together. |
| 4 |
Distraction is a technique to draw the resident's attention
away from one thing to something different. If the ersident
becomes upset, get him/her to ay attention to something
else. |
| 4 |
Remember, these residents are doing the best they can.
People with dementia will have moments of "reality".
Our goal is to make the surroundings as pleasant and comfortable
as possible. The visitor can even share these moments
with others. This is one of the "gifts" or "joys"
of being with people with dementia. |
| 4 |
The resident with dementia is unable to entertain; so,
come with something, like a book, flowers, photos or enjoy
a stroll in the garden. |
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4
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If the visitor has trouble leaving, get the staff's
attention so they can distract the resident while you
make your exit. Sometimes it is best not to tell the resident
you are going home, as they will want to go with you.
It is always best to be reassuring and avoid stressful
situaltions. The memory loss can often provide comfort,
i.e. "I have to get some groceries but I'll be right
back" or I have to pick the children up at school".
|
| 4 |
Find out the best time to visit your loved one. Generally,
individuals with Alzheimer's tend to be more alert during
the mornings and early afternoon. Talk with staff members
and try visiting at different times to find out what times
work best for your loved ones and you. |
| 4 |
Hold your visits in a quiet area, eliminating outside
stimulation such as the television or radio. Use of small
lounges and outside areas is usually very effective. |
| 4 |
Be flexible. If your loved ones begin to wander, walk
with them. If he or she seems to be more agitated, come
back at another time. |
| Other Tips To Keep In Mind |
| 4 |
The family room is available for family gathering out
of the unit. |
| 4 |
There is an emphasis on low stimulation and noise management.
Keep voices low. Feel free to move to quieter areas. HUSH
- NO RUSH! |
| 4 |
Emotions are very contagious. If you are anxious the
resident will often pick it up. |
| 4 |
Don't hesitate to ask staff for assistance. |
| 4 |
If you see another resident that may need help or redirection,
please tell a staff member. |
| 4 |
If you have any other concerns please see Nurse in Charge. |
| Ideas For a Quality Visit |
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4
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Reminisce: Family heirlooms, old photos, favorite music,
mutual experiences, maps, the ideas are endless... |
| 4 |
Massage: Hands and/or feet with soothing lotions. |
| 4 |
Beauty Care: Give a manicure or facial using personal
beauty products. |
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4
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Children & Pets: Short visits with babies, children,
and pets are always memorable. Pets must be on a leash
and well controlled. Children must not run in the unit. |
| 4 |
Literary Time: Read the newspaper, books, poetry, and
magazines... help write letters, birthday and seasonal
greetings. |
| 4 |
Games: Play cards, board games, or do a puzzle. |
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4
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Outings: Go for a walk in the garden. Bring a picnic,
pizza or donuts. |
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Most of All - Have Fun!
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