At ViVA Assist, our friendly companionship at home starts with understanding. The better we understand the people we spend time with, the more comfortable, calm and connected each visit feels, especially for those living with dementia.
Growing Our Understanding, So We Can Be There Better
Recently, some of our Day Brighteners spent time together taking part in dementia awareness training. It was time set aside to listen, learn and reflect, so we can show up with even more patience, confidence and kindness.
Dementia Friendly Companionship
One of the most important parts of the session was understanding that dementia looks different for everyone. It’s not just about memory and it’s never just one experience.
We talked about how dementia can affect emotions, communication, confidence and even how someone sees the world around them. Changes in mood, sleep and behaviour are often part of the picture too.
We also explored the difference between everyday forgetfulness and conditions such as Alzheimer’s, where personality, emotional responses and routines can shift over time. Understanding this strengthens our dementia friendly companionship offering and helps our Day Brighteners respond with reassurance rather than correction.
Communicating With Calm and Care
How we speak, move and listen really matters. Small things can help someone feel safe and at ease.
During the training, we focused on ways to communicate that feel gentle and respectful, including:
- Using calm voices and friendly eye contact
- Saying names and offering steady reassurance
- Letting feelings be felt, rather than correcting or arguing
- Smiling, even when words are hard to find
We also took guidance from Dotty’s Ten Tips for communicating with someone living with dementia. Simple reminders like avoiding sudden movements, not testing memory and keeping things predictable can make a real difference to how relaxed someone feels.
Making Everyday Spaces Feel Safer And Dementia Friendly
We spent time looking at how small changes in the home can help reduce worry and confusion.
Things like:
- Clear labels on cupboards and drawers
- Familiar photos or memory boxes to spark conversation
- Clear walkways, gentle lighting and less background noise
- Favourite music playing softly in the background
We also talked about how physical comfort supports emotional wellbeing. A drink within reach, a favourite snack, a warm blanket or a reassuring hand can help someone feel settled and cared for.
Learning That Stays With Us
This training wasn’t about ticking a box. It was about deepening our understanding and reminding ourselves why presence, patience and warmth matter so much, so we can provide the very best dementia friendly companionship.
Our Day Brighteners came away with fresh confidence and practical ideas they can use every day, along with a renewed sense of empathy for both the person living with dementia and the family around them.
At ViVA Assist, we keep learning because every visit matters.
When someone opens the door to a friendly face, we want them to feel calm, understood and never rushed, just a cuppa, a conversation and time spent together.
That’s why we offer dementia friendly companionship that focuses on calm visits, familiar faces and time spent together, so no one feels rushed or alone. Get in touch today to find out more.
Recent Comments