Building emotional connections with dementia patients is about focusing on their feelings, not their memory. Even as cognitive abilities fade, emotional memory often stays intact, allowing you to create meaningful moments through simple actions like a warm smile, gentle touch, or listening with full attention. Here’s how you can make caregiving more fulfilling for both you and your loved one:
- Understand emotional memory: While facts may be forgotten, feelings linger. Prioritize creating positive emotions over correcting inaccuracies.
- Validate their emotions: Acknowledge their feelings instead of challenging their reality. For example, if they express worry about a past event, respond to the emotion rather than the details.
- Use non-verbal communication: Facial expressions, tone of voice, and touch can convey love and reassurance when words fail.
- Engage their senses: Music from their past, familiar scents, or cherished objects can spark joy and calmness.
- Share activities: Simple tasks like creating memory boxes, listening to music, or looking through photo albums can strengthen your bond.
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