Dementia can add a very complicated layer to the already-complicated issue of isolation and loneliness in older adults.
Often times with dementia sufferers, the problem with communication and connection is the initiation of the interaction. Good conversations can and do happen with dementia patients, but just relying on the patient to get the interaction started can be the stumbling block.
Here are some novel ideas for helping dementia sufferers kickstart or initiate interactions.
Robots. Build or program a robot to get a dementia sufferer’s attention. For example, when a remote family member wants to talk to the person on the phone, the robot would be programmed to approach the dementia-ed person and then just start talking or initiating the phone conversation. Thus, the interaction is initiated remotely for the family member via the robot and it is easy for the dementia sufferer to join in.
A lower-tech option: A big sign. For the same goal of helping to remotely initiate the interaction, you could also use a large sign on the wall in the room. So, when a phone call from a family member comes in for the dementia sufferer, a special noise will be created. Correspondingly, a large sign on the wall of the room will say “If you hear a noise, then press the red button on your pad.” This will help the dementia sufferer get started in the interaction, from a remote location.
Visitors may need advice and instruction. Interacting with dementia sufferers can be difficult and challenging at times. Not all well-intentioned visitors know how to interact with folks with dementia. Thus, visitation can be boring and awkward. Basic advice and instruction could be helpful and keep visitors interested in coming back again.
Pets and music can also be beneficial for making a connection with a dementia sufferer. If regular personal or family visits are not very successful, pets or music may be an option that opens the door to connection and communication.
Often times with dementia sufferers, the problem with communication and connection is the initiation of the interaction. Good conversations can and do happen with dementia patients, but just relying on the patient to get the interaction started can be the stumbling block.
Here are some novel ideas for helping dementia sufferers kickstart or initiate interactions.
Robots. Build or program a robot to get a dementia sufferer’s attention. For example, when a remote family member wants to talk to the person on the phone, the robot would be programmed to approach the dementia-ed person and then just start talking or initiating the phone conversation. Thus, the interaction is initiated remotely for the family member via the robot and it is easy for the dementia sufferer to join in.
A lower-tech option: A big sign. For the same goal of helping to remotely initiate the interaction, you could also use a large sign on the wall in the room. So, when a phone call from a family member comes in for the dementia sufferer, a special noise will be created. Correspondingly, a large sign on the wall of the room will say “If you hear a noise, then press the red button on your pad.” This will help the dementia sufferer get started in the interaction, from a remote location.
Visitors may need advice and instruction. Interacting with dementia sufferers can be difficult and challenging at times. Not all well-intentioned visitors know how to interact with folks with dementia. Thus, visitation can be boring and awkward. Basic advice and instruction could be helpful and keep visitors interested in coming back again.
Pets and music can also be beneficial for making a connection with a dementia sufferer. If regular personal or family visits are not very successful, pets or music may be an option that opens the door to connection and communication.
There's research that talks about how staying active can also help with declining memory in the elderly. When my mom started to have memory problems, I chalked it up to old age. She'd forget where she placed her keys, which happens to the best of us. But when she couldn't even remember the address she's been living at for the past 20 years, I started to worry.
ReplyDeleteShe is living with me now and her memory has started to get better because of daily exercise and this supplement I got her from this site: https://purebellavita.cbrainom/
I was hesitant at first, but then I did a little digging and found a plethora of research studies on their main ingredient. Basically, the supplement I mentioned has carbon 60 in it and it's supposed to have powerful antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that should help slow down neuronal cell death. I came across this video of two scientists from live longer labs who explained some of the benefits really well: https://youtu.be/BUEKHbdkiOU
I am glad that this worked with your mom, but my advice is that if anyone wants to check out the these sites, they do additional research and talk to their doctor about starting any new or unknown treatment
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