Visiting can be a stressful time especially if you do not understand the condition so it is useful to find out more before visiting. Dementia NZ and Alzheimers New Zealand are the main support organisations in New Zealand. Useful resources can be found at both.
A supportive dementia care facility will give you some helpful ideas about how you can make visits easier for you and your loved one. For example:
- keep the visits short
- use photographs, mementos or familiar objects to remember special times
- play favourite music
- choose a time of day to visit when the person is more settled (staff can often advise you)
- avoid questions (silence is ok)
If communication is difficult remember that you can also use your body language especially facial expressions and gestures and the tone and pitch of your voice. Use eye contact and try to keep sentences short, simple and specific. Touch can be a powerful way to express the bond you have with your relative. Test it out gently at first to make sure it's something your relative enjoys.
Although visiting a relative with dementia may be stressful at times, in doing so you are providing support for your relative, the extended family and carers in the facility. Don't underestimate the value of your visit.
If taking children along you may find it useful to discuss the effects of the dementia on your relative with them before visiting.
Updated: 20 Jul 2023