TIPS TO MAKE YOUR CALL A SUCCESS:
- If your loved one is easily confused, please only have one person on the call, and ensure the background is quiet.
- Be positive and upbeat. Strive to make your loved one smile.
- Share stories of what is going on in your life, changes you’ve experienced in your life, entertaining stories. “I can’t believe….” “I never imagined…” Focus on you and your life and kids/grandkids, etc.
- Avoid interrogating questions. Basic wellness questions are good, but asking too many cause the residents stress.
- Please be aware that although we are doing our best to provide recreation and things to do, it is a LOT more quiet here and asking loved ones what they are doing only reminds them that much less is happening than before. (No kids groups, no music groups, no church groups, no large Main Dining Room Activities, no ability to travel out of their cottage, etc.) Please use judgement when asking these questions.
- Come into the call with the intent to show and tell what you and your family are up to, rather than just finding out how the resident is doing. Provide an escape from their regular routine.
TIPS FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING WITH FAMILY MEMBERS WITH DEMENTIA:
- Show old pictures on the screen and tell about them. (But avoid testing questions like “Who is this”)
- Tell stories “Remember the time…” or “I remember when…”
- Compliment them, “When I was a child, I really appreciated when you…..You are a really great dad/mom/grandparent”
- Show things in your house that they might enjoy or remember. Flowers, gardens, objects, animals.
- Tell about your current life and other family members.
- Read letters or family history stories.
- Use the opportunity to tell about happy things in your life that may spark a smile.
- Limit questions asked. (Unless you know they are able to answer them.)
- If you ask something, it is okay to pause (even if it feels uncomfortable) to see if they answer or respond.
Credit: Lisa Smith, RT, PWL Stettler