Struggling with communication might be one of the most deranging aspects of taking care of someone with dementia. Misunderstanding and getting confused or frustrated is highly possible — making communication even more difficult.

Seeking help from a provider of health care in Poughkeepsie New York may be a wise choice, but communicating with your loved one should be your primary responsibility. How can you communicate with your loved one with dementia?

• Avoid distractions.

  Find a place where you can talk quietly and peacefully without any distractions. This will help your loved one’s mental energy focus on the conversation. Speak naturally and clearly with a calm and warm voice. Avoid any kind of condescension.

• Use people’s names.

  It’s better to refer to people with their first names instead of just using pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “they.” It will also be helpful to talk about one thing at a time. Mental juggling may not be a forte for someone with dementia.

• Nonverbal and visual cues.

  Use gestures and visual cues to facilitate understanding. Maintaining eye contact, smiling, and pointing the food to cue for mealtime is a great way to be understood. Listen actively and politely let them know if you don’t understand them.

• Take breaks.

  Recognize what you’re up against and understand that there will be good days and bad days. Buy time. Seek help from housekeeping services in New York to spend more time with them. If you’re frustrated and exhausted, take a rest.

FLEX HEALTH CARE is a reliable provider of non-medical home care in Poughkeepsie New York that provides quality care for clients and families dealing with dementia. Caring for your loved ones shouldn’t be burdensome when you have the best assistance.