Families are made up of different generations; making life inherently more interesting. Visiting residents in assisted living and dementia care can be multigenerational too.

I have witnessed the many kinds of changes that residents experience with dementia and have tremendous sympathy for their families. Diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia continue to pose a great challenge. And we know that a truly viable treatment is decades away while early prevention is somewhat of a guessing game. 

Sounds daunting, yes. Yet, we are left with many choices on how to move forward — first and foremost is to not give up. We can work together to create an environment and routine filled with family, friends, and joyful moments. It’s not possible of course to create a perfect world for loved ones, however there is so much we can do to help during this journey.  

I have witnessed families face difficult decisions about keeping the younger generation in the family away from this experience. I can understand and appreciate that decision — and the intention to protect them. I have been asked often if visiting makes a difference when it is unclear whether their loved one will remember the visit or remember the young family member. I enthusiastically believe that it does make a difference because emotional memories are important and our brains know this and treat them differently, even with dementia. 

Children have also shown me over the years that they have an amazing and natural capacity for learning about brain change and for showing incredible empathy and resilience. This next generation, after all, will be working on solutions and treatments for dementia. 

I want to be sure to provide a welcoming environment for youth of all ages to feel safe and at ease visiting. Please feel free to reach out and ask questions as we love to support multigenerational visits. 

Below are a few activities young people can do when visiting their loved one in dementia care. I hope you will also share your ideas with us. Short visits are perfect by the way, so you can plan for just 20-30 minutes to make their day. 

Visiting ideas for youth:

Hand massage with aromatherapy lotion — they can pick the scent. We have a basket of choices available. 

Read an original poem or short story from a favorite book (little ones can practice reading.) 

Sing a favorite song or play music from their latest play list — music is the universal language so if your loved one has difficulty talking that’s ok! They may tap their feet or hum along. 

Ball or balloon toss. 

Games like dominoes or large print word search. 

Make a collage with a theme to help learn about their loved one’s life experiences. 

Color in an adult coloring book together. 

Share a slideshow of photos from school or other activities. 

Oral history interviews — ask them to describe growing up when they were your age, and what it was like at school and in their neighborhood. Record it on your phone (audio rather than video may be easier). 

Have a favorite family snack together. (We like triple decker cream cheese and Ritz crackers.)

Show and Tell: bring artwork from a  classroom project or share a favorite Lego creation. 

Join in an already scheduled group activity like qigong, art or music. 

Resources for this topic:

Tips for Visiting Loved Ones with Dementia – Alzheimer’s Association

https://dailycaring.com/15-helpful-dementia-communication-techniques/