Research commissioned and published by Alzheimer’s Society in 2016 showed that spending time with a loved one with dementia is important, even if they fail to recognise you. However, the survey sadly went on to reveal that 42% of the public think it’s pointless to visit a person with dementia if they no longer recognise their visitors or remember them. This of course can cause social isolation for a person with dementia. They are already at risk of this anyway, especially if they have stopped going out as much.
Alzheimer’s Society surveyed 300 people affected by dementia and found that 64 per cent of those living with the condition felt isolated from friends and family. Yet Alzheimer’s Society claimed that even if a visit from a family member was soon forgotten, it would still ignite feelings of happiness and security.
It’s crucial for a person with dementia to feel safe and reassured. The person’s confidence will have suffered as they will have realised at some stage that they need to rely on others for help and support. In the earlier stages of their condition, they will be aware of this and will need to feel sure that others will be there for them. Feelings of isolation and abandonment can sadly be common in a person with dementia.
The person with dementia may not directly remember a person visiting, or specific details of the visit, but they will have an emotional memory of that person. They may be likely to recognise the person’s voice, their smell or the touch of their hand. If the person is a close family member, it can help to make the person feel safe and reassured.
When you speak to the person’s family, let them know that their visits are helpful, and will benefit the person’s moods and wellbeing. Even if conversations are limited or even non-existent, the person will benefit from having them visit.
Regular visits can provide reassurance, create an emotional memory and help to combat loneliness. They can also rekindle memories.
You may wish to encourage family members to visit the person at the best times of day for them, such as earlier in the day when the person may be more alert.
They may wish to bring a friend or someone who knows the person who they haven’t seen for some time. This can help to create a more upbeat and positive atmosphere.
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Spend quality time with the person with dementia
Although you will have certain key tasks to perform when you visit the person with dementia, such as helping with toileting, personal hygiene, preparing meals and medication, try to have some social time with the person too.
Talk to them about things in your life, ask them about their hobbies and interests and try to engage them in social interaction. Try not to make every visit about carrying out household chores and tasks. While time may be limited, and it may not always be possible to sit with the person for a long time, do your best to create a social environment and interaction for the person. It will benefit their emotional wellbeing and give them something to look forward to.