Why Do Seniors with Dementia Say “No”?

To foster better communication, you must first understand why your loved one says “no” so often. As dementia progresses, communication is impacted in a variety of ways. Short-term and long-term memory loss make it difficult for seniors with dementia to access the full range of their vocabulary when conversing.

When confronted with their verbal limitations, seniors often become frustrated, which can result in the short, simple answer of “no.” Oftentimes, when seniors with dementia refuse to cooperate, it has less to do with the situation at hand and more to do with a mounting sense of frustration. To get your loved one to cooperate, adopt communicative methods that circumvent these negative feelings.

Professional caregivers with training and expertise in dementia care can often identify the sources of communication issues and respond effectively and compassionately. Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, InCasa Home Care Services is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Edmonton 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.

Are Your Questions Easy to Answer?

When you ask your loved one a question, always phrase the question so it can be answered with one or two words. If your loved one responds to complicated questions with “no,” it may be a sign he or she is having difficulty forming a complete sentence. For example, don’t ask, “What do you want to wear today?” If your loved one can’t remember what clothes he or she owns or is unable to express personal preferences, he or she may become anxious and verbally combative. Instead, provide options. Ask, “Would you like to wear your black pants or your navy blue pants today?” This question only requires a simple answer, and it gives your loved one agency over his or her daily habits. Feelings of self-control may diminish the frustration that leads to verbal negativity.

Is Your Loved One Distracted?

To get your loved one to cooperate, ask questions in calm, quiet, distraction-free environments. Because of dementia’s impact on cognitive function, your loved one may feel anxious when exposed to excessive visual or auditory stimuli. To enhance your loved one’s ability to focus on important conversations, make sure the environment is ideal. Turn off the TV, pause the music, and remove any brightly coloured décor that might be a distraction.

A trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Edmonton Home care providers can reach out to InCasa Home Care Services. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.

How Much Information Is Necessary

When speaking to your loved one, try to streamline complex information. Your parent may have difficulty parsing complicated sentences and remembering multiple pieces of information. Before you start speaking, consider how to deliver the necessary information as quickly and succinctly as possible. If your loved one can’t understand what you’re saying, he or she is likely to respond in the negative. If your loved one understands the broad elements of the query and can answer with one word or a simple phrase, he or she is more likely to be cooperative.

What Emotions Are You Projecting?

Because seniors with dementia have difficulty with verbal communication, nonverbal cues sometimes take on greater importance. If you change your communication methods and still receive “no” as a default response, you may want to reevaluate your tone of voice and body language. Soft, soothing tones and open, compassionate body language can make seniors with dementia more amenable to saying “yes.”

If you have a loved one with dementia who constantly replies “no,” these suggestions can help you understand and communicate better with him or her. Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to InCasa Home Care Services for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Call us today at 587-609-6854 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.