Rock Creek Senior Living Memory Care Discusses Creating Engagement with Someone Living with Dementia

In a world that thrives on communication, connection, and shared experiences, dementia poses unique challenges. It affects not only an individual’s memory, but also their very essence. As the number of individuals living with dementia continues to rise, it becomes increasingly important to explore ways to foster meaningful engagement.

Dementia can be an isolating and disorienting condition, creating a feeling of disconnect from the world they once knew and loved. However, beneath the surface of cognitive decline lies the enduring essence of the individual waiting to be nurtured and cherished. By embracing empathy, patience, and creativity we can create experiences that transcend memory loss and provide a lifeline to the person within.

Join us at Rock Creek Senior Living on a journey to unlock the potential for engagement and connection with your loved one living with dementia. Together, we will discover the power of human connection that transcends the boundaries of memory, and in doing so, enrich the lives of those touched by this challenging condition.

Past hobbies and interests are important to know about someone. This can help us engage with them on a deeper level, so we can start conversations about things they enjoy or start a game we know they enjoy. 

Interests and hobbies can be modified to reflect their current abilities. People living with dementia may have trouble deciding what to do each day, which could make them seem anxious and worried, or quiet and withdrawn. They might need help deciding how to start or complete a project. Any event can be modified to meet someone where they are in their life. Pay attention to what the individual can do on their own, as well as when they may need some assistance. We want them to feel encouraged to complete the task, not frustrated. 

Staying engaged is so beneficial to someone living with dementia. Some of those benefits include:

• A sense of purpose 
• A routine to look forward to
• An appropriate outlet for skills 
• A feeling of accomplishment, which can increase self-esteem 

When it comes to engaging someone living with dementia, patience, empathy, and creativity are the keys to fostering meaningful connections. By embracing a person-centered approach, we can unlock a world of possibilities, enabling individuals with dementia to continue experiencing joy, connection, and a sense of purpose. Remember, it’s not about fixing what’s broken, but rather cherishing the unique qualities that make each person special. Together we can create moments of engagement where those living with dementia are valued and cherished for who they are, not just who they were.