Making Summer Visits More Meaningful for a Loved One on a Dementia Journey

Summer brings a special kind of joy with more time for travel, spontaneous outings, outdoor activities, and visits with family and friends. Warmer days and more flexible schedules result in more opportunities to create the kind of special moments that often turn into cherished memories lasting for years.

If you're caring for a loved one with dementia, however, you may find that these well intentioned visits can sometimes be overwhelming for them. What should be a meaningful time of connection may trigger stress or confusion. After exchanging a few light exchanges, you may find your loved one beginning to withdraw, eventually disconnecting altogether and missing out on the joy of the visit itself.

The challenge isn’t the people or the visit itself—it’s usually a matter of preparation. We all have days when our energy dips or our mood shifts. Now imagine those changes magnified and layered with memory loss. That’s often the lived experience for someone on the dementia journey.

So, what once felt like a joyful, spontaneous gathering can now feel disorienting or even frightening for a loved one who relies on routine, familiarity, and structure to feel safe and grounded.

The good news is that, with some adjustments, these visits can be more inclusive and meaningful for your loved one with dementia and for those around them as well.

Here are some tips to help optimize the value of those visits:

1. Adjust your expectations to fit your loved one’s abilities to connect and engage. Those in mid-to-later stages of dementia will require more preparation and assistance.
2. Schedule the visit at a time when they are at their best.
3. Make sure they have gotten a good night’s sleep. A restless night will make them tire more easily and can compound any anxieties they may have.
4. Prepare your loved one by explaining who you are visiting with and what their relationship is.
5. Prepare those you are visiting by providing insights into your loved one’s limitations and sharing tips to help them converse in a more meaningful way.
6. Bring along some family photos for your loved one to share. Review them in advance with your loved one and reinforce any connection to the visitors.
7. Have a list of soft questions or comments in mind to gently nudge your loved one into conversation. Try to keep the questions in the present, such as, “Mom, did you know that Amy loves gardening too. What are your favorite flowers to plant?”
8. Bring along your loved one’s favorite meal, dessert, or snack to share. It provides yet another conversational touchpoint.
9. Carve out some one-on-one moments between your loved one and visitors preferably off to the side so that your loved one can hear them clearly.
10. End the visit on a high note. Don’t wait until your loved one becomes tired. Leave early while they are calm and still enjoying themselves. Promise to visit again!

For individuals living with dementia, every moment that fosters a connection, sparks a memory, and empowers them with a sense of meaning brings immeasurable benefits. Living a life of purpose does not have to end with dementia. If you approach these summer visits with sensitivity and a desire to include them, your loved one can continue to connect and engage with family and friends longer. And these special moments will be remembered and cherished in years to come.

Looking for more ways to establish more meaningful visits with a loved one with dementia? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities. We will be happy to share some tips and help you find ways to include your loved one in a loving and meaningful way.