How to help when your loved one is forgetting known faces
When someone with dementia begins forgetting familiar faces, it can be distressing for both the individual and their loved ones. Here are practical ways to help:
1. Introduce Yourself Regularly
Gently reintroduce yourself: When approaching, say something like, "Hi, it’s [your name], your [relationship]." This avoids confusion and reassures them of who you are without making them feel embarrassed.
Stay calm and positive: If they don’t recognize you, respond calmly. Say something like, “That’s okay, we can talk anyway.” This maintains the connection and eases their stress.
2. Use Visual Cues
Keep recent photos around: Display photos of family members or close friends in visible places, especially photos that are recent and show how people currently look.
Label photographs: Write names and relationships on the back of photos or on the frames. This gives them context when looking at family pictures.
Use a family photo board: Create a photo board with labels to help them connect names and faces more easily. Update it regularly with recent photos to keep it relevant.
3. Focus on Familiar Senses
Use voices and smells: People with dementia may not recognize a face but might remember a person’s voice, scent, or touch. Regularly speak to them in familiar tones and use personal items like a favorite perfume or cologne that can trigger recognition.
Play familiar music: Music tied to shared experiences or specific people can help evoke memories and feelings of familiarity.
4. Create a Calm Environment
Limit overwhelming stimuli: Large crowds or noisy environments can make it harder for someone with dementia to recognize familiar faces. Interact in quieter, more controlled settings to help them focus on who is present.
Approach from the front: Always approach them from the front, so they can see you coming. Sudden appearances from behind may startle them and cause confusion.
5. Use Reminiscence Therapy
Talk about shared memories: Gently remind them of past events involving people they know. Use phrases like, "Remember when we went to the park together with [person's name]?" This can help trigger recognition through familiar stories.
Use memory books: Create a scrapbook filled with pictures and stories of people they know well. Going through this book together can help them recall memories connected to familiar faces.
6. Stay Consistent with Visits
Regular contact: Frequent, short visits from family and friends can help maintain recognition. Even if they don’t immediately remember someone, frequent exposure can help reinforce familiarity.
Repetitive routines: If the same people visit at the same time or day, it might help them anticipate and recognize who’s coming.
7. Don’t Argue About Recognition
Avoid correcting or arguing: If they mistake someone for someone else, gently redirect the conversation instead of correcting them. It’s better to go along with their perception in a calm manner rather than insisting they are wrong.
Focus on feelings: Even if they don’t recognize the person, focus on the emotions in the interaction. The feeling of love and care can often resonate more than specific recognition of the face.
8. Encourage Emotional Connection
Touch and warmth: Sometimes, physical affection, like holding hands or offering a hug, can provide reassurance even if they don’t recognize your face. Touch can help create a sense of familiarity.
Maintain eye contact: Eye contact can build a sense of connection and help them focus on the interaction, even if facial recognition is challenging.
9. Prepare Visitors
Brief family and friends: Before visits, let visitors know that the person with dementia may not recognize them. Encourage them to introduce themselves and remain patient.
Encourage patience and positivity: Visitors should approach with a positive and patient attitude, understanding that memory lapses are a natural part of the disease.
10. Use Technology to Assist
Video calls with name labels: If physical visits aren’t possible, video calls with name labels on the screen can be helpful. Seeing a name along with a familiar voice and face may aid recognition.
Create digital photo albums: Use digital frames or albums that rotate pictures of family members with names displayed. This can provide continuous gentle reminders of who people are.
11. Seek Professional Guidance
Occupational therapy: Consult an occupational therapist who specializes in dementia care. They can offer personalized strategies to help with recognition issues.
Support groups: Join support groups for caregivers of people with dementia. These groups can offer emotional support and practical advice from others experiencing similar challenges.
By focusing on gentle reminders, familiar routines, and emotional connection, you can help someone with dementia navigate the difficulties of forgetting known faces while preserving their dignity and sense of comfort.
Source: Alzheimer’s Society
Related Posts
