How to Introduce People to Your Loved One With Dementia

Socializing is an important activity for those with dementia as it allows them to work their brain and improve their mood. Whether your loved one connects with friends and family or meets someone new, these can feel like new or uncomfortable first impressions. Here are some things to consider when introducing people to your loved one with dementia.

Time and Location

Schedule the visit at a time that works best for your loved one, not the visitor. People with dementia can experience sundowning in the late afternoon and may not feel their best or comfortable receiving visitors. You’ll also want to go somewhere your loved one will enjoy or be less distracted, like a quiet, less crowded space.

Plan What and Who to Bring

Will your visitors be bringing games, music, or memorabilia with them? Who all is coming along on this wonderful visit? Children? Pets? Old friends? All of these can bring joy to someone with dementia. Keep in mind that too many names and faces at once might be hard for your loved one to handle, so keep the party small each time.

Prepare Everyone for Introduction

Before meeting with your loved one, explain to your visitors where they are with their disease and capabilities and what to expect. Before having the visitor, prepare your loved one by showing them pictures and discussing who they are, how they may know or come to know each other, and any memories associated with them. When introducing someone who will serve as a new addition to the team, such as a caregiver or healthcare professional, it’s important you’re there with them the first few visits and explain who they are in a way that doesn’t seem threatening.

Bringing Children to the Visit

If you decide to bring children to visit your loved one with dementia, there are more conversations and preparations to have for this level of sensitivity. Talk to the child about dementia and Alzheimer’s and what to expect during the visit, and listen to their questions and concerns. Encourage them to bring an activity they can do with your loved one or an item they made for them to bring back fond memories.

Communicate and Listen With Care

Have your visitors wear name tags and introduce themselves as they would the first time meeting someone. It’s important to refer to your loved one by their name or preferred nickname instead of what you know them as, such as “mom,” because they might have an idea of what you are that doesn’t match. So if you call her “mom” but you’re now an adult, she may remember you as her young child, be confused about who you really are, and mistrust you. Follow these other helpful tips when communicating with your loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Engage in Activities

Activities can get your loved one’s brain working its muscles and make them very happy. Consider playing games, listening to music, going on a walk, baking, or attending an event that would stimulate without overwhelming your loved one.

Implement a Visitor Guest Book

Your loved one may see a variety of people throughout the day and have difficulty keeping track of everyone. A visitor guest book will help them remember their activities and interactions better. Consider including photos and information such as the date, visitor’s name, how your loved one spent time with them, and when the visitor will return.

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