Dementia touches many lives. As we grow older, it not only can become a health concern for us personally, but also a social concern if it impacts our family or friends. 

For senior Australians, supporting a loved one with dementia can be especially daunting, but there are practical steps and emotional strategies that can make a significant difference. 

Here’s some guidance on how to support friends or family members living with dementia. 

Understanding dementia and its various forms, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia, is essential to providing the right kind of support. 

Dementia affects memory, thinking, and behaviour in ways that can be difficult for loved ones to witness. 

By educating ourselves about the condition, we can better understand the changes our friend or loved one is experiencing. 

This knowledge helps reduce frustration and promotes empathy.  

Resources such as Dementia Australia offer helpful information, educational programs, and support networks for caregivers and families. 

Supporting someone with dementia requires patience, as their memory and cognitive abilities may decline over time. 

It’s important to accept that the person may not remember recent events, struggle with everyday tasks, or become easily confused. 

Being compassionate and patient helps create a supportive and calm environment. 

If someone with dementia repeats questions or forgets conversations, it’s crucial to respond kindly rather than with frustration. Offering gentle reminders and reassurance goes a long way in providing comfort and stability for someone living with the condition. 

Loneliness and isolation can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia. For seniors supporting loved ones, regular social contact is key to helping them feel connected and valued. 

Spending time with the person – even in simple ways like sharing a cup of tea, going for a walk, or watching a favourite show together – can improve their mood and quality of life. 

If your loved one lives in a care facility, regular visits are still important. Even if they don’t always remember the visit, the emotional benefit of spending time together can last long after the interaction. 

Physical presence, a smile, or a familiar voice can have a calming effect. 

Many people with dementia benefit from continuing to engage in meaningful activities that stimulate their mind and body. 

Activities such as listening to music, gardening, doing puzzles, or engaging in arts and crafts can provide a sense of purpose and enjoyment. 

You can help by participating in these activities, tailoring them to the person’s abilities and interests. Even if the individual can no longer perform certain tasks as they once did, adapting the activity to their current capacity keeps them engaged and helps preserve a sense of independence. 

Dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively. Seniors supporting someone with dementia can adapt their communication style to make interactions more comfortable and less confusing. 

• Use simple, clear language: Short, straightforward sentences are easier for someone with dementia to understand. 

• Avoid correcting or contradicting: If the person says something factually incorrect, it’s often better to avoid correcting them, as this can lead to confusion or frustration. Instead, redirect the conversation to a positive or neutral topic. 

• Maintain eye contact and use body language: Non-verbal communication, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gentle touch, can be more meaningful than words. These cues help convey warmth, reassurance, and understanding. 

• Speak slowly and allow time for responses: Give the person enough time to process information and respond without rushing them. 

As dementia progresses, many individuals will need increasing help with daily tasks. You can offer practical support, such as helping with grocery shopping, cooking meals, or managing appointments. 

For those who are primary caregivers, setting up routines for daily activities can create a sense of familiarity and reduce confusion. 

In cases where the loved one is in a care facility, you can still provide practical help by staying involved in their care plan, attending medical appointments, or advocating on their behalf when necessary.