How Visual Cues Can Help Dementia Patients

While people who have ageing parents may know what dementia is, there is much less awareness surrounding the cues you can use to help dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. In preparation for Brain Awareness Week in March, we thought we’d share a successful technique that’s often utilized by elder home health care providers: visual cues.

What Are Visual Cues For Dementia Patients?

A visual cue is simply a reminder that a dementia patient can see. It’s not a list of instructions, but a phrase or object meant to trigger their memory. A visual cue might be:

• Their outfit for the day laid out on their bed, so they dress appropriately for the weather.
• Their toothbrush, with toothpaste on it, on the bathroom sink to encourage them to brush their teeth.
• A container by the door that has everything they need if they go outside.

A note by the medicine cabinet with times and doses of medication written out.

Why Use Visual Cues Over Other Cues?

Wouldn’t it be simpler to tell your parent to brush their teeth and put on their snow coat, rather than using visual cues to trigger their memory? Not necessarily. You and your parent may become frustrated when you issue reminders, as they may unintentionally come across as commands.

• There are other benefits to using visual cues:
• They don’t rely on language, as your parent’s language skills may begin to break down over time.
• They persist until your parent does the task, which means you spend less time issuing reminders.
• Visual cues allow your parent to continue to feel independent and in charge of their own life.

Also, consider that visual cues are easily adjusted to the dementia patient’s ability. Instead of asking your parent to brush and floss their teeth, you set out the brush and floss on the counter-top. If your parent is struggling to remember to put toothpaste on the brush, you can do so for them. This can save you from explaining all the little details of a task that your parent needs to accomplish.

Need Support For Your Parent With Dementia? Receive Elder Home Health Care From iCare Home Health

Few families can provide elder home health care for their ageing parent without outside support. Dementia can make your parent’s care even more complicated. We offer dementia care in Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and Milton. Our expertly trained staff understand dementia care techniques that can make caring for your parent easier while ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Contact us to learn more about dementia care in Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and Milton, and how our services can help your loved one.