Changes in vision - info to help communicate
When someone with dementia seems confused, startled, or disconnected during a conversation, it may be because they literally cannot see you. As dementia progresses, peripheral vision narrows and the visual field becomes limited. This means a person with dementia often only sees what is directly in front of them, and they lose access to all the facial expressions, gestures, and nonverbal cues that help communication feel safe.So if you stand above them or approach from the side, they may miss your face completely. It can feel intimidating, rushed, or overwhelming without you realizing it.Try this instead. If they are sitting, gently lower yourself to eye level. If they are standing, come into their line of sight or slightly below it. Stay there long enough for them to register your presence before you speak.This simple adjustment can decrease agitation, improve communication, and help the person with dementia feel calmer and more connected.fromBeLightCareConsulting
Comments
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Thank you for the information.
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Thank you!
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I noticed the peripheral vision problem in DH a while back. I didn't know it was another something that dementia robs people of. This is a horrible, cruel disease. Thank you for the info.
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Most helpful. Thank you!!
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So very, very true and wish I had known this much sooner in our path. I also found my dear wife's ability to control some muscles could limit how she held her head or turned it. I learned to squat down in front of her to get directly in her eyesight, not to the side to help her understand me. I had to be face to face to help her. She had to see me talking to work to hear me as her hearing declined. I realized she was not watching television because she could not hold her head up enough in a sitting position to see the screen so I learned to recline her chair more. That also helped communicating with her more easily. So, so much helpful information within this forum that any caregiver of a loved one with this horrible disease needs to know on day one and yet not one doctor ever suggested it. I stumbled upon it. If you know anyone serving as a caregiver help them by sharing this site. As my dear wifes' condition progressed it became more difficult to keep her head up at a more normal level and i found myself always kneeling in front of her chair and taking her hands to talk to her. It helped. As I look back now< i realize that was exactly where I should have been, kneeling in front of this remarkable woman who gave her whole life to serving me and our family. I only wish I could do it now.
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Commonly Used Abbreviations
DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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