Visiting elderly relatives with dementia can be a challenging experience for both children and adults. Focusing on the positive and providing support for both the elderly relative and their young visitors can prove essential to a successful visit. Take a look at how you can prepare your children for visits to elderly loved ones with dementia and ensure a more positive experience for everyone.
The Challenges Of Visiting Elderly Relatives With Dementia
Visiting a loved one who has dementia can be a difficult experience for both the elderly relative and the children who want to spend time with them. The elderly relative may find it difficult to recognize their visitors and may have difficulty engaging in conversation. They may also experience confusion or even paranoia. Children, too, can feel overwhelmed by the experience, especially if the elderly loved one does not remember them or becomes hostile during the visit. Being unprepared can make these visits difficult, so it's important to know how to prepare children for visits with elderly relatives with dementia.
How To Prepare Children For Visits
When visiting elderly relatives with dementia, it's important to talk about the visit ahead of time. Explaining what dementia is and discussing the many benefits of visiting can help children understand and feel more comfortable. Here are some tips on how to prepare children for visits to elderly relatives with dementia:
Talk Openly And Honestly
It's important to initiate a conversation about the visit and what to expect. Explain what dementia is and how it affects the elderly relative's behavior. Describe the physical and cognitive changes that may occur and how the elderly relative may act differently. Be open and honest about any difficulties that may be encountered during the visit.
Explain Dementia
Explaining what dementia is and how it affects the elderly relative's behavior is key to helping children understand and feel comfortable during the visit. Explain that dementia is a set of symptoms that affects thinking, behavior and memory, and that as the illness progresses, these symptoms worsen. Describe the physical and cognitive changes that may occur and how the elderly relative may act differently.
Discuss The Benefits Of Visiting
It's important to emphasize to the child the benefits of visiting their elderly relative with dementia. Explain that visiting can help the elderly relative feel connected to friends and family and can bring them joy. Explain that it's an act of kindness to visit and that it can help them stay active, engaged, and maintain their overall health. Let them know what they can expect so they can enjoy the visit as well.
Prepare Kids For What To Expect From Their Loved One
Kids need to know what to expect from visits with loved ones with dementia. Explain that the elderly relative may not remember the child or recognize them, and that they may not be able to carry on a conversation the way they used to. Explain that some people with dementia may become frustrated or anxious, and that this is normal and understandable. Explain that it is important to remain patient and not take any behavior personally.
Safety During Visits
It's important to maintain safety during visits with elderly relatives with dementia. Supervision is always necessary, as the elderly relative may not be able to recognize hazards or react in an appropriate manner. Setting boundaries and rules before the visit is also important. Explain to the child that it is important to remain respectful and not to do anything that could cause their elderly relative harm.
Senior Helpers Can Assist Your Elderly Relative With Dementia
At Senior Helpers Tri-Cities and SE Washington, we understand the importance of focusing on the positive and providing support for both the elderly relative and their young visitors. Our in-home senior care company in Kennewick, Walla Walla, Richland, Pasco, and Clarkston provides customized care plans to assist elderly individuals and their families with the challenges of dementia. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.