Tips for Visiting Family Member in Memory Care
Dear Carol: I grew up being close to my grandparents, but Grandma has passed, and Grandpa is in memory care. Grandma held the family together in many ways, and she supported communication with Grandpa who is taciturn at best. Now, he’s been diagnosed with vascular dementia, making meaningful communication harder than ever. Some days he’s alert, but easily confused and upset. Other times, he just sits in his chair and stares or else sleeps. Could you offer me some tips to make my visits count for him? – DG
Dear DG: You’re obviously a loving, caring person to worry about making these visits meaningful for your grandpa. That in itself is enough, because even if he can’t verbalize it, he’ll understand by your presence that you love him. That said, I’m happy to offer some suggestions…
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