Why Nonverbal Communication Is Vital When Caring for Seniors with Dementia

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Is Nonverbal Communication Crucial in Dementia Care in Winnipeg, MB

Dementia is a progressive disorder. Even if you’ve only noticed slight changes in your elderly loved one’s behaviour after a dementia diagnosis, there are likely to be further developments over time. Seniors with dementia commonly experience changes in their ability to communicate. Your loved one may have difficulty expressing thoughts and emotions and processing the words you speak. However, using body language instead of words may make a difference in the way your loved one understands each interaction. Here are a few of the ways nonverbal communication can enhance a senior’s quality of life when managing dementia. 

Encourages Self-Expression

One of the most important results of positive nonverbal communication is instilling a sense of trust in the other person. Seniors with dementia often cut their sentences short or refrain from speaking out at all. Looking your parent in the eyes and placing a hand on his or her arm can help you forge a bond and boost your loved one’s confidence. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Winnipeg, MB, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Prevents Confusion and Agitation

Anyone who has provided long-term care for a loved one with dementia knows how much confusion and frustration the disorder can cause. Not only is confusion a major concern for seniors, but many caregivers also find it difficult to keep their emotions out of a conversation. Even small gestures can give your loved one a better grasp of what you’re saying. For instance, stand in front of your loved one when speaking so he or she can see your mouth and eyes. A professional caregiver who is skilled in dementia care can be beneficial for your loved one in several ways. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated homecare, you can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

Conveys Emotions

Without verbal cues, seniors with dementia may mistake the tone and purpose of a statement. They may feel they’re being accused of a wrongdoing or are being tricked. Your body language and facial expressions should always convey your emotions so your loved one can accurately gauge your intent. Failing to do this can easily cause an unnecessary argument after a harmless statement has been made. 

Soothes Ailments

Regular physical contact can even soothe the chronic pain and discomfort many seniors with dementia experience. Physically touching a senior stimulates the production of oxytocin. This vital hormone lowers stress levels, reduces pain, and increases blood flow. Nonverbal communication can also be an important aspect of participating in brain-boosting activities. Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Winnipeg seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance. Call one of our friendly and qualified Care Managers today at (204) 489-6000 to find out how we can help your loved one maintain a high quality of life while living with dementia.

Related posts:

  1. 6 Ways to Enhance Communication with a Parent Who Has Dementia
  2. 7 Purposeful Activities for Seniors with Dementia
  3. Why You Can’t Leave Seniors with Dementia Unsupervised
  4. What Makes Seniors with Dementia Angry?

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