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Memory Care Tips 11 Understanding Dementia & Memory 5 Support for Family Caregivers 5 Planning Ahead 7 Health & Everyday Living 5 Tour Our Homes 2 Short, practical tips from Deirdre on connecting and communicating with a loved one living with dementia.
Read all 11 tips as a full transcript →
Memory Care Tip #1: Be Patient and Calm Give a loved one with dementia time and calm. Speak slowly, pause, and avoid interrupting. Memory Care Tip #2: Use Simple Language Use short, familiar words and simple sentences so a loved one can follow more easily. Memory Care Tip #3: Nonverbal Cues Gestures, a smile, and a gentle touch can carry meaning when words are hard to follow. Memory Care Tip #4: Be Reassuring A calm, soothing tone and simple reassurance help ease confusion and anxiety. Memory Care Tip #5: Minimize Distractions Turn off background noise and choose a quiet room so a loved one can focus on the conversation. Memory Care Tip #6: Ask One Question at a Time Ask one simple question at a time instead of several, so a loved one can process and answer. Memory Care Tip #7: Listen Actively Listen with patience, use small affirmations, and reflect back what you hear. Memory Care Tip #8: Use Names and Relationships Use names and explain relationships to help a loved one make connections. Memory Care Tip #9: Repeat and Rephrase If something is not understood, gently repeat or rephrase instead of asking them to remember. Memory Care Tip #10: Use Positive Language Positive, encouraging phrasing guides behavior better than negative commands. Memory Care Tip #11: Be Respectful Speak to a loved one with dignity and respect, and include them in the conversation.
Clear explanations of dementia, Alzheimer's, and memory changes, hosted by Deirdre on Let's Talk Seniors.
Alzheimer's 101 Deirdre and guests from the Alzheimer's Association of Connecticut cover the basics of Alzheimer's and dementia, warning signs, and where families find support. Does Your Loved One Have Dementia, or Is It Normal Aging? How to tell ordinary age-related forgetfulness apart from the memory changes that can signal dementia. My Loved One Is Not the Same. What Shall I Do? Guidance for families noticing memory and personality changes in a loved one, and first steps to take. Memory Care Issues: Alzheimer's, Dementia & Parkinson's, Staying Safe A conversation about memory-care conditions and keeping a loved one with Alzheimer's, dementia, or Parkinson's safe. Tips on Improving Memory for Seniors Everyday ways to support memory and mental sharpness in older adults.
Encouragement and real guidance for the families doing the caring.
How To Avoid Caregiver Burnout How to recognize caregiver burnout and protect your own health while caring for a loved one. Caregiver Success Encouragement and strategies for caring for an aging loved one without losing yourself. The Hard Conversations on Aging How to start difficult conversations with aging parents about care, safety, and planning. Concerned About Your Elderly Parents and Need Answers? For families worried about an aging parent, the questions to ask and the help available. UR Community Cares A conversation about a community program that connects seniors with local volunteers and support.
Practical help with the legal, financial, and end-of-life planning families face.
Five Wishes An introduction to Five Wishes, a plain-language way to document care and end-of-life preferences. When to Call Hospice & Palliative Care What hospice and palliative care are, and the signs it may be time to reach out. Funeral Pre-Planning Why families plan a funeral in advance, and what the process involves. Are You an Overwhelmed Executor of an Estate? A look at the responsibilities of an estate executor and where to get help. Downsizing Demystified Practical steps for helping a senior downsize and move to a smaller, safer home. Tips for Seniors on Selling a Home Things for older homeowners to weigh when selling a longtime home. Selling or Not Selling Your House in This Market A quick take on whether it is the right time for a senior to sell their house.
Staying well, eating well, and finding joy in daily life.
How To Prevent a Health Issue Instead of Treating One A conversation about preventive habits that help older adults stay healthy. New Treatment for Chronic Wounds, Covered by Medicare A conversation about a wound-care treatment option for seniors. Chefs for Seniors A conversation about an in-home service that prepares fresh meals for older adults. A Simple Monthly Craft Project Your Senior Will Love An easy, low-cost monthly craft to do with a senior for connection and engagement. Art Therapy How art and creative activities support wellbeing and connection for people with dementia.
Step inside our two residential memory care homes in Shelton.
Dogwood Home: A Look Inside Our Residential Memory Care Home A walkthrough of the Dogwood memory care home in Shelton, Connecticut. Long Hill Home: A Look Inside Our Residential Memory Care Home A walkthrough of the Long Hill memory care home in Shelton, Connecticut.
