Supporting loved ones with dementia: Visiting tips and advice

At HillView Care, we offer dementia care at our Gold Coast aged care homes in Merrimac and Ashmore. Our passionate, highly trained staff deliver personalised care, forming strong bonds with residents to ensure their dignity and comfort.

We support families through the challenges of dementia, offering a range of engaging activities, private gardens, five-star meals, and comprehensive medical care, creating a nurturing community for your loved one.

Supporting loved ones with dementia

At HillView Care, we understand the challenges that come with visiting loved ones who are living with dementia. Dementia isn’t just one specific disease; it encompasses a collection of symptoms that affect thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks, significantly impacting brain function.

When your loved one moves into aged care, staying involved and connected can feel daunting, especially if they have dementia. Thanks to the expert advice from Dementia Australia, here are some practical tips for visiting and staying connected with your loved ones.

When you visit your loved one

Scheduling regular visits is a great way for families and carers to stay connected with their loved ones. At HillView Care, we encourage visits from family members and have some beautiful areas where you can relax and catch up. Children are definitely welcome at HillView care, making it easy for the whole family to share these special moments together. If you’re bringing children along, it’s a great idea to pack them a visiting bag with some snacks and activities to keep them entertained. 

Tips to make visits enjoyable:

• Bring newspapers and magazines to read together.
• Share and read mail.
• Play familiar games.
• Listen to music or audiobooks.
• Watch favourite movies.
• Look through photo albums.
• Help decorate and tidy the room.
• Assist with personal grooming, like brushing hair or painting nails.
• Help write letters to friends and relatives.

Sensory and tactile activities can bring so much joy to your loved one living with dementia. From the simple comfort of a gentle hand massage with lotion or sharing some delicious fruits or chocolates together. For a bit of fun, you could try sorting cards or playing games on a tablet. And don’t forget the simple pleasures like holding hands or taking a stroll through our beautiful gardens. Puzzle games like Sudoku or jigsaws can also be a lot of fun, keeping minds active and creating a lovely atmosphere for everyone involved.

Visiting in the later stages of dementia

As dementia progresses, it’s essential to engage as many senses as possible.

Tips for sensory engagement:

• Hold hands or give gentle kisses for reassurance.
• Use scented creams or oils for massages.
• Offer comforting gazes and smiles.
• Play familiar music or read favourite books and poems.
• Even if they don’t recognise visitors, the presence can be comforting.
• Take strolls around the grounds, even if in a wheelchair.

The number of visits and their duration aren’t set in stone. The goal is to make each visit as rewarding and positive as possible.

Getting out and about in the community

Going out can be a delightful change for your loved one. They might even enjoy a leisurely visit to a nearby park or a local café. These outings provide a breath of fresh air and a chance to soak in the sights and sounds of the community. Whether it’s a scenic drive, a pit stop for some refreshments, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun, these excursions can brighten their day and create beautiful memories.

Saying goodbye

Saying goodbye can be tough. Here are some tips to make saying goodbye when you leave our residential aged care home easier:

• Have an activity to signal the end of your visit.
• Distract them with another activity or ask staff for assistance.
• Set expectations at the start of your visit about how long you can stay.
• Keep goodbyes brief to avoid making future farewells harder.

How to respond when your loved one says “I want to go home”

Hearing your loved one say they want to go home can be heartbreaking. This phrase often stems from feelings of insecurity, depression, or fear.

How to respond:

• Acknowledge their feelings and provide reassurance.
• Use touch to comfort them.
• Reminisce with photos or family stories.
• Redirect with food or activities.
• Avoid disagreeing or trying to reason with them.

Additional help and resources

Dementia Australia offers numerous support groups, providing comfort and practical assistance. These groups bring together families, carers, and friends under the guidance of a facilitator who often has firsthand experience in dementia care. Visit the Dementia Australia website to learn more. 

Gold Coast dementia care

At HillView Care, we are dedicated to supporting our residents and their families through every step of their journey with dementia. We hope these tips help you feel more prepared and connected during your visits.