Visiting someone who is living with dementia can be one of the most meaningful things you do — but it can also feel confusing or challenging at times. These seven tips will help you make each visit more comfortable, connected, and enjoyable for both of you.
1. Plan Your Visit at a Good Time
Choose a time of day when your loved one is typically more alert and calm. Many people with dementia are clearer and less tired earlier in the day, and planning shorter, regular visits can be more rewarding than infrequent long ones.
2. Create a Calm, Comfortable Environment
Turn off background noise from TVs or radios, go somewhere quiet, and reduce distractions. A peaceful setting can ease confusion and help your loved one focus on your time together.
3. Communicate Clearly and Kindly
Speak in short, simple sentences, one idea at a time, and allow plenty of time for them to respond. Stay calm, use gentle eye contact, and remember that what feels like a simple conversation for you might take more effort for them.
4. Use Activities to Connect
Shared activities — like looking at old photos, listening to favorite music, reading a poem, or going for a short walk — can create connection without relying solely on conversation. Engaging the senses and doing something together can be joyful and comforting.
5. Be Patient and Flexible
Every visit will be different. Your loved one may have good days and harder days, and that’s okay. Going with the flow and adapting to the moment helps relieve pressure and opens up space for genuine connection.
6. Bring Familiar Items
Photos, keepsakes, or familiar objects from home can spark memories, comfort, and conversation. These tangible reminders often help ground the person in positive emotions and shared experiences.
7. Focus on Connection Rather Than Memory
Dementia impacts memory — but joy doesn’t only come from remembering facts. Being present, listening, holding hands, sharing a laugh, or simply sitting together can be deeply meaningful even when words are hard to find.
Visiting someone with dementia isn’t about fixing their memory or having a perfect conversation — it’s about showing up, being patient, and valuing connection in whatever form it takes. Every moment of warmth you share matters.
At a time when other organizations are scaling back or shuttering memory-related programming, CMSS continues to lean in — systemically recommitting to memory care, meaningful connection, and sustained support for individuals living with dementia and the people who care for them. Through its Day Club and Assisted Living Memory Care, CMSS provides adults living with memory loss a place for connection, routine, and engaging activities — while offering caregivers peace of mind and vital support.
Sources:
Dementia Australia
Alzheimer Society of Canada
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs