Communicating with a parent who has dementia can be challenging, especially when you’re not face-to-face with them, such as when you’re talking on the phone. As caregivers and family members, it’s essential to understand these challenges and find ways to maintain meaningful connections.
For adult children with a parent with dementia who lives away or in memory care in a senior community, here are some strategies to talk to them on the phone:
- Preparing for the conversation
- Clear communication
- Engaging your parent
- Active listening
- Managing emotions and challenges
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities significant enough to interfere with daily activities. It’s not just one specific disease but rather a group of symptoms caused by various conditions affecting the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
Understanding Dementia & Communication
Dementia affects the brain in various ways, leading to cognitive and emotional changes that can significantly impact a loved one’s communication abilities.
Dementia can affect communication in older adults in the following ways:
- Memory loss: Forgetting words, people, and recent events.
- Difficulty following conversations: Struggling to keep up with the flow of dialogue.
- Impaired judgment: Making inappropriate comments or decisions.
- Emotional changes: Increased anxiety, confusion, or agitation.
How to Talk to a Parent With Dementia on the Phone
Based on dementia progression in a loved one, changes and communication abilities can vary. For these reasons, adult children can use the following strategies to adjust how they communicate with a parent with dementia.
Preparing for the Conversation
Preparing yourself and setting the right environment can make a significant difference. Strategies can include selecting the right time and setting. Choose a quiet time and avoid calling during busy or stressful periods. Also, make sure you are both in a quiet and comfortable space when talking on the phone.
Clear Communication
Strategies for effective communication include using clear and simple language to aid understanding and create a more meaningful conversation. When talking to a parent with dementia, speak slowly and clearly. Use short sentences and simple words. Keep the conversation straightforward and avoid jargon and complex ideas.
If you’re talking to a parent with dementia on a video phone call, use visual aids and prompts. These can include holding up pictures or objects that prompt memories or mentioning familiar names and locations to trigger recognition.
Engaging Your Parent
Finding the right topics and prompting involvement from a parent with dementia can make the interaction more engaging and rewarding. You can discuss topics, such as:
- Family updates: Share recent family events and news.
- Memories: Talk about happy memories and familiar stories.
- Simple activities: Discuss easy and enjoyable activities they can relate to.
Active Listening
Active listening shows genuine interest in what a parent is saying. Adult children can practice active listening when talking to a parent with dementia on the phone with patience. Be patient and give them space to respond. Allow them time to think and answer without rushing.
Managing Emotions & Challenges
When talking to a parent with dementia on the phone, understand that the conversation may not always go as planned and set realistic expectations. Conversations can sometimes become repetitive or distressing. Here’s how to handle these situations:
- Stay positive and approach the call with a positive mindset.
- Stay calm. Your calm demeanor can help soothe their potential anxiety.
- Answer questions, even when your parents repeat the same question.
- Gently redirect if a topic becomes distressing by gently steering the conversation to a safer subject.
- Take breaks If the conversation becomes too overwhelming, it’s okay to take a short break and resume the call again.
- Seek support. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support through groups or professional counselors for guidance.
Memory Care Communities
Adult children with a parent with dementia should know that they are not alone in this journey. There are numerous resources and communities available to offer support and advice.
Many senior care communities offer specialized memory care programs for older adults with cognitive and memory impairments. These programs provide care and support for loved ones with qualified staff who focus on minimizing the challenging aspects of memory loss while providing other services, such as social and physical programs for overall health and wellness.
Personalized Care & Support for Dementia
Maintaining communication with a parent who has dementia is crucial for their emotional well-being and your relationship’s strength. Remember, patience and compassion are your greatest tools. When you adapt your strategies and seek support when needed, you can create meaningful and comforting conversations despite the challenges.
For more information on our memory care program, contact Inspired Living at Hidden Lakes. We are happy to partner with you and support a parent with dementia with personalized care and open, honest, and continuing communication.
