Talking about the diagnosis
Question: How do I talk to my loved one with dementia? How do I tell my children about dementia?
Talking to your loved one with dementia about the initial diagnosis
Understanding how and when to discuss a dementia diagnosis with a loved one is crucial. It's a delicate conversation that requires sensitivity, honesty, and timing. The key is to approach the discussion with empathy, ensuring that your loved one feels supported and not overwhelmed.
"Mom/Dad, I want to talk about something important. I've noticed some changes in your memory, and I know it's been a concern for both of us. We've seen the doctor, and they've told us that these changes are due to a condition called dementia. I understand this might be hard to hear, but I want you to know that I'm here for you, and we're in this together. We have options and support to help us manage this. Let's talk about what you're feeling and how we can plan for the future. Remember, I'm here to support you every step of the way.“
Talking to your loved one with dementia about adjustments needed along the way
Remember, the way you deliver these phrases is as important as the words themselves. Speak calmly, maintain eye contact, and use a warm, empathetic tone. Be prepared to repeat or rephrase your statements, as your loved one may need time to process the information.
“There are ways we can manage this together and make things easier for you.“
"Let’s think about how we can adjust things at home to make your day-to-day life more comfortable.“
"Many people live with dementia, and there are a lot of resources and support available for us.“
"Our love for you doesn’t change. We’re going to make sure you have everything you need."
Explaining the diagnosis to your child
Explaining dementia to a child requires a gentle, age-appropriate approach. It's important to be honest yet reassuring, using language and concepts they can understand. Your explanation should aim to help them grasp the basics of the condition without overwhelming them. Here’s an example of how you might explain dementia to your child:
“You know how Grandma has been forgetting things and sometimes acts differently? She has an illness called dementia. It's a condition that affects the brain, the part of our body that helps us think, remember, and understand things.
Imagine your brain is like a big toy box filled with all the toys you know how to play with. Dementia is like someone sneaking in and taking some toys away, so when Grandma reaches in to find them, they aren't there anymore. This is why she might forget names, faces, or how to do things she used to do easily.
It's not like the colds or tummy aches you get; it’s a kind of sickness that doesn’t go away, and it can make Grandma behave in ways that might seem strange or confusing. Sometimes she might not remember who we are, or she might get upset easily. It’s not because she doesn’t care about us; it’s just because her brain is working differently now.
But even though Grandma is changing, she still loves us very much. She enjoys our hugs, our stories, and spending time with us. We can help her by being patient, kind, and understanding when she forgets things or gets mixed up. It's okay to feel sad or frustrated about this; you can always talk to me when you feel this way. Remember, we're a team, and we’ll help Grandma together.”
Source: NIH - National Institute on Aging
Related Posts
