BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EXPERTS AT ARTIS SENIOR LIVING A Resource for Caregivers Your Partner in Memory Care Do's and Don'ts of Dementia Care Do Be Patient x Don't Say, "Do You Remember? Interacting with a loved one who has dementia can at times be challenging or confusing. The person you know and love may be behaving differently after a diagnosis of dementia or other forms of memory loss. Despite wanting to avoid upsetting conversations, it's important to continue interacting with them in a way that honors who they are as a person Patience is essential when interacting with those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Understand that they'll have trouble recalling memories, names, places and faces. Help your loved one get reacquainted with what's happening in the moment. People who have dementia often have an easier time remembering the distant past than something that happened earlier that day Instead of asking your loved one to recall or detail specific moments, ask generally about their past to spark conversation. x Don't Have a Conversation in a Noisy Place Do Make Eye Contact Engagement is key. Using eye contact provides a nonverbal cue that you're there for them, you're listening, and you're acknowledging their thoughts and feelings. Do Introduce Yourself If you're meeting someone with dementia for the first time, always Do Be a Good Listener Those living with dementia may struggle for words. While it's all right to suggest a word if you can help them, don't rush your loved one to answer. If you don't understand what your loved one is trying to say, think about the emotion or intent that may be behind the words they're using. It's essential to speak clearly and directly with those who have dementia for two reasons. First, people living with dementia often also have hearing loss. Second, background noise can make for a frustrating distraction that discourages conversation x Don't Assume Your Loved One Doesn't Understand Don't Get Tense introduce yourself. Depending on the stage of dementia a person is in, family members and friends may also need to reintroduce themselves. Try not to get frustrated with your loved one they can't recall the name or face of someone they know. If you're living with or caring for someone who has dementia, embrace acceptance. Understand that dementia is a progressive disease. It's important to stay positive when they have difficulty with a memory or activity It's important to include your loved one in conversations about their for well-being. Never talk about someone with dementia as if they aren't there. Even if your loved one can't communicate effectively, they may be able to understand more than you think Learn more about The Artis Way by calling 412-212-6025 or visiting The ArtisWay.com/TheAlmanac ARTIS SENIOR LIVING South Hills BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EXPERTS AT ARTIS SENIOR LIVING A Resource for Caregivers Your Partner in Memory Care Do's and Don'ts of Dementia Care Do Be Patient x Don't Say , " Do You Remember ? Interacting with a loved one who has dementia can at times be challenging or confusing . The person you know and love may be behaving differently after a diagnosis of dementia or other forms of memory loss . Despite wanting to avoid upsetting conversations , it's important to continue interacting with them in a way that honors who they are as a person Patience is essential when interacting with those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia . Understand that they'll have trouble recalling memories , names , places and faces . Help your loved one get reacquainted with what's happening in the moment . People who have dementia often have an easier time remembering the distant past than something that happened earlier that day Instead of asking your loved one to recall or detail specific moments , ask generally about their past to spark conversation . x Don't Have a Conversation in a Noisy Place Do Make Eye Contact Engagement is key . Using eye contact provides a nonverbal cue that you're there for them , you're listening , and you're acknowledging their thoughts and feelings . Do Introduce Yourself If you're meeting someone with dementia for the first time , always Do Be a Good Listener Those living with dementia may struggle for words . While it's all right to suggest a word if you can help them , don't rush your loved one to answer . If you don't understand what your loved one is trying to say , think about the emotion or intent that may be behind the words they're using . It's essential to speak clearly and directly with those who have dementia for two reasons . First , people living with dementia often also have hearing loss . Second , background noise can make for a frustrating distraction that discourages conversation x Don't Assume Your Loved One Doesn't Understand Don't Get Tense introduce yourself . Depending on the stage of dementia a person is in , family members and friends may also need to reintroduce themselves . Try not to get frustrated with your loved one they can't recall the name or face of someone they know . If you're living with or caring for someone who has dementia , embrace acceptance . Understand that dementia is a progressive disease . It's important to stay positive when they have difficulty with a memory or activity It's important to include your loved one in conversations about their for well - being . Never talk about someone with dementia as if they aren't there . Even if your loved one can't communicate effectively , they may be able to understand more than you think Learn more about The Artis Way by calling 412-212-6025 or visiting The ArtisWay.com/TheAlmanac ARTIS SENIOR LIVING South Hills