When a senior loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be difficult for everyone in the family, especially children, to understand and cope. Children may have questions, fears, or even misconceptions about what dementia means. It’s important to approach these conversations with clarity, empathy, and age-appropriate explanations to support their understanding and emotional health.
Learn What Dementia Is Yourself
Explaining dementia to children begins with describing what it is in simple and relatable terms. Dementia causes the brain to not work the same as it used to, which can make it difficult to remember things, make decisions, or talk clearly. Tell your children that it’s an illness, just like how someone might have a cold or a broken leg, but instead of affecting the body, it impacts the brain.
For younger children, you could say “Grandpa’s brain is a bit like a puzzle—some of the pieces aren’t fitting together the way they should.” Older kids can better handle straightforward explanations, such as understanding the brain changes as a person ages, and sometimes these changes affect memory and thinking.
Dementia is a serious health condition. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of senior care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Prepare for Changes in Behavior
Children may notice changes in the way their loved ones with dementia behave, and it’s important to prepare them in advance. Explain that someone with dementia might forget names, repeat stories, get confused about where he or she is, or even feel upset for no obvious reason.
You can reassure your children by saying “It’s not Grandma’s fault, and she’s not doing it on purpose. Her brain is just having trouble working the way it used to.” Encourage your children to be patient and kind, even if they feel frustrated. For example, if your loved one calls them by the wrong names, explain it doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t care—it’s just part of the illness.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need someone to provide care to your loved one. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to a dementia diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Richmond elderly home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Encourage Questions & Open Communication
Give your children the space to share how they feel and ask questions. They might wonder things like “Will Grandma remember me?” or “Can I still play games with Grandpa?” Acknowledge their feelings and provide honest, comforting answers. For example, you might say “Sometimes Grandma might forget your name, but she still loves you very much.”
Open communication lets children feel understood and supported. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to admit that as well. You could say “I’m not sure, but we can learn more together.” This approach builds trust and reduces the fear or confusion your children may have.
Find Ways to Stay Connected
Teaching children how to stay connected with their loved ones despite the challenges of dementia can be empowering. Encourage your children to focus on shared activities that don’t rely heavily on memory. Drawing pictures, singing songs, looking at family photos, or even just holding hands can create meaningful moments.
Explain that even if their loved one can’t remember specific details, they can still enjoy the time spent together. For instance, tell your children “Even if Grandpa doesn’t remember what game you’re playing, he can still feel happy spending time with you.” These activities help children maintain a sense of closeness and can make them feel they’re contributing positively.
Offer Reassurance & Care
Lastly, it’s essential to offer children reassurance and help them process their emotions. They might feel sadness, worry, or even guilt if they accidentally get upset with their loved one. Normalize these feelings and remind them that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes.
You can also reassure your children that they’re not responsible for “fixing” the situation. Explain there are doctors and caregivers helping their loved one. If appropriate, involve them in caregiving tasks in small, manageable ways, like handing out a blanket or helping with simple routines, so they feel included but not burdened.
An experienced dementia caregiver can be a wonderful source of information and support for your whole family. Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Richmond families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care. To learn about our premier in-home care plans and how they can help your loved one, give us a call at (804) 207-4746 today.