362. How Christian Caregivers Stay Connected When Dementia Makes Conversation One-Sided

Your sister isn't communicating with you the way she used to.

You still visit her. You sit together at supper. You put on music she has always enjoyed, hoping it will help you connect.

But she doesn't respond the way she once did.

You find yourself wondering what she's thinking, what you should say, and whether you should keep trying to get her to answer.

Then, at mealtime, she doesn't want you to take away her empty plate. It has happened more than once. You don't want to upset her, but you're not sure what to do.

In this episode of Dementia Caregiver Support for Christians, we listen to Helen describe these two situations with her sister, who has Alzheimer's, and look at what each one actually requires of Helen.

When dementia changes a person's ability to communicate, the back-and-forth that once made conversation familiar may no longer be possible.

That doesn't mean you can no longer connect. But it does mean you may need to change what you expect from the interaction.

And when an everyday activity, like clearing an empty plate, begins to cause resistance, you may need to distinguish between what eventually needs to happen and what actually needs to happen right now.

The question is not simply, "How do I get her to respond or cooperate?"

It is, "What am I actually trying to accomplish in this moment, and what does that require now?"

Key Advisory Points