At Senior Care Villa of Loomis, we understand the challenges that come with explaining a senior loved one’s transition into a dementia care community. When children are involved, the conversation requires extra sensitivity and clarity. Our dementia care community is committed to supporting families as they navigate these difficult discussions. With decades of experience in compassionate dementia care, we are here to share our best advice for helping children understand what it means when a grandparent or loved one moves to a dementia care community.
It’s important to address the changes children might notice in their loved ones. As a leading dementia care community, Senior Care Villa of Loomis emphasizes the use of simple, compassionate explanations tailored to the age of the child. Whether you are explaining dementia to a preschooler or a teenager, our community provides the guidance to ensure these conversations are as comforting and informative as possible.
In this blog, we will offer strategies and examples to help you explain the concept of dementia to children, reinforcing our commitment as a dementia care community to support not only our residents but their families as well. From using metaphors suitable for young children to discussing the biological aspects with older children, our aim is to empower you with the knowledge to handle this sensitive topic with empathy and understanding. Join us as we explore how best to support your family through this journey at our dementia care community.
Very Young Children (Ages 3-5)
When speaking with very young children, we recommend using simple, reassuring language that focuses on love and care. At this age, children are very sensitive to changes in their environment and routine but may not understand complex health issues. Explain dementia in terms they can grasp, like comparing memory to a toy box that doesn’t open sometimes, so it’s hard for the grandparent to remember where things are.
Here is a good example of how you might explain dementia to a person in this age range: “You know how sometimes your toy box gets stuck and you can’t open it to get your toys? Well, sometimes Grandma’s memory gets stuck — she can’t open it to get her memories. But she still loves playing and spending time with you!”
Children (Ages 6-12)
For children who are a little older, provide a basic understanding of the condition with a focus on maintaining emotional connections. Children in this age group can understand basic biological concepts. Explain that the brain works like a computer or a library where everything is supposed to be organized, but sometimes things get mixed up. Stress that emotional connections and feelings of love do not get mixed up, even if memories do.
If you’re looking for an analogy that might help with your explanation, try explaining it this way: “Imagine if your brain was a library, but some of the books got put on the wrong shelves, and you couldn’t find the story you wanted to read. That’s a bit like what’s happening to Grandpa. Even though he might forget things, he still feels happy when he sees you and loves you very much.”
Teenagers (Ages 13 and Up)
For children who are in middle school or high school. discuss the neurological and biological impacts of dementia, and encourage open conversation about their feelings and concerns. Teenagers can handle more complex information and may want to understand the specifics of how dementia affects the brain. Explain the role of neurons and brain chemicals, and how dementia can disrupt this communication. This can help them understand why their loved one behaves differently.
A myriad of explanations can work for this age group, but here is a good example that can help you to get started: “Think of the brain like a network of roads, and the messages the brain sends are like cars driving to various destinations. In dementia, it’s as if some roads are blocked and the cars can’t get to where they need to go. This is why sometimes Grandma might not remember your name or get confused about what time it is. It’s not that she doesn’t care or love you—it’s just that her brain is sending messages that are getting lost.”
General Tips for All Ages
Regardless of the child’s age or level of understanding, it is important to be honest and approach the topic with compassion. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when starting the conversation
Be Honest
Always use age-appropriate truth when discussing a diagnosis. Avoid making up stories to explain behaviors or avoiding their questions.
Reassure Them
Children need to know that their loved one’s changes in behavior are not their fault and that they are still loved.
Encourage Questions
Let children ask questions about dementia and answer them as clearly as you can. This can help reduce their anxiety.
Include Them
Encourage them to interact with their loved one by engaging in simple activities like looking at old photos, listening to music, or reading stories together. This helps maintain a bond.
Engaging in Activities
When a senior loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or another form of cognitive decline, it’s important to keep children involved in their lives. Here are some fun activities broken down by age group:
- For younger children:Crafts or drawing pictures that they can show to their grandparent.
- For older children: Playing simple board games or doing puzzles together.
- For teens: Helping their grandparent with simple daily tasks, or sharing music and videos they enjoy.
Why Choose Senior Care Villa of Loomis?
Nestled on a picturesque 2-acre property, our community provides a serene and inviting atmosphere, perfect for residents and visiting families. For over 25 years, we have been devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Our approach is tailored to recognize the whole person—social, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs—ensuring a balanced and engaging environment.
Our amenities include homecooked meals, music, card games, and a variety of activities that are essential in creating a comforting routine in a secure setting. Our staff are not just caregivers but passionate advocates for our residents, striving to preserve dignity and provide joy and satisfaction daily.
Join Us at Senior Care Villa of Loomis
We invite you to learn more about our dementia care community, where we are dedicated to providing a supportive environment for those living with dementia. Contact us to schedule a visit and take a tour of Senior Care Villa of Loomis. Discover firsthand the tranquil beauty of our community, our specialized amenities, and how we can help your family navigate this challenging journey with empathy and expertise.
