Have you ever watched a family member or friend struggle trying to have a pleasant and meaningful visit with someone with dementia, including Alzheimer’s?
Holidays often bring an uptick in visitors to the people you serve. People come with good intentions for a pleasant holiday visit, but many times leave sad and perhaps frustrated.
Why? Because they were not able to connect with their loved one. And the worst part about this is that it discourages them from coming again.
Have you ever wished you could make this easier for visitors?
This week I’m offering15 Tips for Visiting People with Memory Loss.Share this printable handout with family members and visitors NOW, as we head into the holiday season. It combines my advice with that of Teepa Snow, Dementia Care Specialist. Feel free to print it, include it in your newsletter or share it in any way you like. Just be sure to include the source when you do this.
Wishing you a week of connecting,
Mary Sue
PS. What if you had one or two inexpensive CD players and a few CDs available for visitors to “check out” and use during their visits?
Enjoy Happy and Meaningful Holiday Visits
15 Tips for Visiting People with Memory Loss
Use shorter phrases and PAUSE between thoughts or ideas, giving the person a chance to respond
Talk about the old times more than recent information
When conversations are difficult, turn to music. Singing together and listening to music can bring happiness regardless of skill or memory.
Mary Sue Wilkinson is the founder of Singing Heart to HeartTM and the Young at Heart Music Program. She is a career educator and professional musician. And she loves to sing! Her flagship program, Young at Heart Music, is devoted to bringing the joy of music and singing to seniors with decades of life experiences and memories tied to music. Mary Sue is available as a speaker sharing her expertise about the power of music to awaken memories and bring joy. Together with Tiyi Schippers, Mary Sue also provides music experiences for young children and training for early childhood educators.
