As a family, visiting senior loved ones can be a wonderful way to build and strengthen relationships. However, when a beloved elderly relative is living with dementia, it can be challenging to know how to prepare your children or grandchildren for the visit. Read on for our team's top tips on preparing for children visiting seniors with dementia and how to make these visits safe and enjoyable for everyone in the family.
How to Prepare for Children Visiting Seniors with Dementia
Explain Dementia
It is important to explain to children that due to dementia, their senior relative may not remember them, may act differently, or may not be able to do the same activities they used to do. This explanation should be given in the language they can understand, with reassurances that their relative still loves them.
Reassure Children
When preparing for children visiting seniors with dementia, reassure them that no matter what happens, they are still important to their elderly relatives. Let them know that what they say and do still matters and that they can help make the visit a positive experience.
Set Expectations
Explain what will happen during the visit. This can include how long it will last, what activities will be done, and what they might expect to see and feel. This can help to create a calm and enjoyable environment for everyone.
During the Visit
Be Patient
It is important to be patient with seniors with dementia. Understand that they may need more time and attention. Remind children to stay patient and to try to not feel frustrated if something does not go as expected.
Encourage Interaction
If the grandparent or relative is still in the early stages of dementia, children should be encouraged to interact with the elderly relative as normal. This can mean doing activities together, such as playing games, watching a movie, or just sitting and talking about simple topics. This can help to create a positive experience for both the child and the elderly relative.
Be Flexible
It is important to not get frustrated if something does not go as planned. The elderly relative may tire quickly or may need more breaks. Hence, it is important to adjust expectations and activities as needed.
After the Visit
Talk About the Visit
After you and the children return home, talk to them about how the visit went. Ask them what they liked and didn't like, as well as how they feel or noticed about the elderly relative.
Reassure Children
Be sure children understand that they are important to the elderly relative, even if the relative has difficulty expressing it. It is also important to let children know that their feelings are normal. Children might express sadness, confusion, or even anger about their grandparents' or relatives' appearance or behavior. Let them know that there is nothing wrong with them if they don't feel the same way about the visit as you do, or if they feel they should.
Our In-Home Caregivers Understand Compassionate Dementia Care
Visiting elderly relatives living with dementia can bring about many emotions for both you and your children or grandchildren. With the right preparation and support, these visits can be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.
If you need any additional help or support, Senior Helpers Akron-Summit provides specific dementia care services for seniors and elderly relatives in Akron, Medina, Wadsworth, Barberton, and Summit County. Contact us today for more information!