HHA Team Members Share How They Care for Clients with Memory Loss
Each month, as part of their ongoing monthly raffle series, the Personal Care team asks Home Health Aide team members a question. The team recently asked: “What approach do you find most helpful when caring for clients with dementia or other memory challenges?”
More than 400 of our HHA team members responded with lots of great advice. Here’s just some of what they said:
The Powerful Impact of Patience
One theme that appeared again and again: the powerful impact of patience. Many HHA team members explained how slowing down, remaining calm, and offering reassurance can help clients feel safe and understood.
“What I find most helpful is just being loving, patient, and respectful, and also having pictures of their family so they know they are loved,” said Lucy Martir.
“When the patient is having a bad day, I give them space, let them calm down for a bit, and then continue whatever activities we will do,” wrote Mabel Weathers.
“Speak calmly when client becomes confused or flustered. When they cannot remember or they do something the wrong way, being empathetic and reassuring always has a good outcome,” noted Cecile Gabourel.
“Show them love and let them know that it is okay to be confused or forgetful,” offered Dunia Chuva.
“When I speak to my client with direct eye contact, I’ve noticed she tends to really focus on just me,” added Navidad Ponce.
Familiar Sights and Sounds Often Make a Big Difference
Many HHA team members use music, photographs, and familiar routines to help reduce anxiety and create moments of connection.
“Singing the patient’s favorite song and dancing, and also doing activities to challenge them like Bingo, Scrabble, Uno, and card games,” said Bregette Washington.
“Give them a lot of love and attention, and also a chance to express themselves,” suggested Sandra Simson. “Patiently listen to their stories or sing their favorite song with them.”
“Use family photos and talk about each person in the photograph, and speak about happy moments from their past,” said Altagracia Frometa.
“Always put their stuff back where they put it, and don’t change or rearrange anything in their house,” said Adetokunbo Olorundero.
Meeting Dementia Clients Where They Are
Each client experiences dementia differently, many of the HHAs noted. Building trust often starts by entering their world, listening closely and focusing on how they’re feeling, rather than correcting what they remember.
“The first thing I do is make sure the patient acknowledges that I’m there with them,” said Michelle Boyer. “Eye-to-eye contact and hand gestures are also a very important part of making the patient feel comfortable and helping them understand what is going on or what we are going to do.”
“I calmly request their permission to engage in conversation and activities,” offered Valora Ford.
“We converse on familiar topics of their liking,” said Sandrea Reid Breakenridge.
“My strategy is validation and active listening,” added Jessica Mireya Lizarazo Grisale. “Instead of correcting memory lapses, I validate the feelings behind their words.”
“I focus on building trust and respecting the client’s dignity,” said Landry Foundjeu. “Even when their memory is affected, clients still respond to kindness, routine, and emotional connection. I pay close attention to their habits, preferences, and triggers so I can reduce confusion and anxiety.”
Another Way We’re Helping People with Memory Loss
As you can see from these responses, our Home Health Aide team members are helping to transform care for families with complex care needs—in this case, families with loved ones who are experiencing memory challenges.
In addition to this ongoing care, VNS Health also offers Dementia Care at Home, a unique Personal Care private pay program for people with memory loss and their caregivers. In this program, Home Health Aide team members receive specialized training from memory care experts on how to engage their clients in personalized activities that promote connection, reduce frustration, and support overall well-being. To learn more about Dementia Care at Home, click here.