8. How to show compassion?

It is important that you show compassion, even if a person living with dementia is repeating the same questions over and over again, or understanding each other becomes increasingly difficult. You need to remember that dementia is a disease that can make communication difficult. For example, a person living with dementia may have forgotten what they just said.

You need to use extra effort and be patient with the person you care for.

Let’s look at an example

William often visits his sister, Elena, who lives with dementia. Elena’s husband passed away six months ago. When William is visiting, Elena often asks where her husband is. William finds this difficult. He knows Elena is missing her husband and may have forgotten that he died. William tries to distract her by asking questions about other things, such as: ”How was your day?” Elena persists in asking where her husband is.