10 Ways to Stay Connected With a Senior Parent Who Has Alzheimer’s
When your senior parent has Alzheimer’s, it can be a struggle to stay connected with them emotionally. Taking care of them physically is challenging, but Alzheimer’s home care can help with that. Alzheimer’s home care gives family members some breathing room while making sure that your senior parent has all the assistance, they need to be healthy and safe at home.
Staying emotionally connected to your senior parent as their illness progresses requires more effort, a lot of empathy, and a willingness to learn as much as possible about their illness. When your senior parent has Alzheimer’s, you need to join them in their world instead of expecting them to stay in yours. These tips can help you stay connected with your senior parent who has Alzheimer’s at every stage of their journey:
Do Activities Together
A great way to stay connected to your senior parent is to do activities that your parent enjoyed before the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Whether it’s gardening, listening to music, or looking at old photographs, engaging in familiar activities can evoke positive memories and create a sense of connection.
Communicate Clearly Using Simple Sentences
Use clear and simple language when communicating with your parent. Speak slowly, use short sentences, and avoid asking open-ended questions that may be confusing. Nonverbal communication, such as gentle touch and facial expressions, can also convey warmth and understanding.
Listen Actively
Practice active listening by giving your parent your full attention and validating their emotions and experiences. Even if their stories or memories seem illogical or fragmented, listen empathetically and respond with kindness and understanding.
Create a Memory Box
Create a memory box filled with items that hold special meaning for your parent, such as family photographs, mementos, and keepsakes. Spending time reminiscing over these items can spark conversations and help your parent feel connected to their past. You can also record your senior parent telling the story associated with each photo or object so that you will have a record of those stories.
Share Meals Together
Share meals together as a way to connect and bond with your parent. Make meals together that your senior parent used to make when you were a child. Or bake some cookies or bread together. Sharing conversation over meals is a wonderful way to connect with your senior parent.
Go for Walks or Spend Time Outdoors
Spend time outdoors with your parent, whether it’s going for a leisurely walk in the park, sitting in the garden, or birdwatching from the comfort of a porch or balcony. Nature has a calming effect and can stimulate the senses, providing a peaceful and enjoyable experience for both of you.
Engage in Gentle Exercise Together
Encourage your parent to engage in gentle exercise activities, such as stretching, chair yoga, or tai chi. Physical activity can improve mood, reduce agitation, and promote overall well-being. Keep the activities simple and enjoyable, focusing on movement rather than performance.
Create Art Together
Engage in simple art activities with your parent, such as painting, drawing, or crafting. Artistic expression can be therapeutic and provide an outlet for creativity and self-expression. Focus on the process rather than the outcome, and enjoy the experience of creating together.
Enjoy Music Together
Listen to music together and encourage your parent to sing along, clap, or tap their feet to the rhythm. Music has a powerful effect on mood and memory and can evoke emotions and memories from the past. Choose familiar songs and genres that your parent enjoys. Sing together, watch musicals, or play the piano together.
Go for a Drive
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often enjoy drives on sunny days so they can see the sky, the trees, and the sun. You can play music or talk in the car. Driving can evoke powerful memories for your senior parent of past family vacations and other trips which can lead to wonderful conversations between the two of you.