Gentle Ways to Explain Dementia to Kids of All Ages
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia, it can be a challenging and emotional experience for the entire family. Explaining these complex conditions to children of different ages can be especially difficult, as they may not fully understand what is happening to their family member.
In this blog post, to mark World Alzheimer’s Month, we will explore gentle ways to explain dementia to kids of all ages, from young children to teenagers, with care and empathy.
Talking to Young Children About Dementia (Age 3-6)
For little ones aged 3 to 6, explaining something as complex as dementia requires a gentle and simplistic approach. It's helpful to use metaphors that resonate with their young minds, such as comparing the brain to a library where books (memories) are getting mixed up or lost. You could say, "Grandma's brain is a bit like a library where some of the books have been muddled up, so sometimes she forgets things or might not recognise us straight away."
Emphasise that this doesn't change how much they are loved by the person with dementia. It’s crucial to reassure them, letting them know it’s perfectly okay for their family member to forget things, and it's not anyone's fault. Encourage them to express their feelings through drawing or storytelling, as these can be powerful tools for them to communicate their understanding and emotions. Offering comfort and understanding, while keeping explanations simple, will help them grasp the situation in a compassionate and non-frightening way.
Explaining Alzheimer's to Older Children (7-12)
Explaining dementia to primary school-aged children allows for a deeper conversation about the condition, due to their growing ability to grasp more complex ideas. At this age, children are curious and often seek to understand the world around them in more detail. When discussing dementia, it can be helpful to describe the brain as an intricate network, similar to a busy city, where certain paths are becoming less accessible or are blocked off, making it challenging for their loved one to navigate thoughts and memories as they used to.
Encourage your child to voice any questions they might have and share their feelings openly. Guide them on how they can maintain a meaningful connection with their loved one, suggesting simple activities they can do together or ways to communicate that might be easier for the family member with dementia. This approach nurtures an environment of understanding, compassion, and open dialogue.
Talking to Teens About Dementia
Teenagers often have a more sophisticated understanding of dementia, yet they may grapple with intense emotions as they witness the changes in their loved one, whilst they are personally going through major changes themselves. It's crucial to foster a space where they feel comfortable expressing their worries, sadness, or even anger, acknowledging that these feelings are a natural response to a difficult situation. Offering them access to detailed resources about Alzheimer's and dementia can empower them with knowledge, helping demystify the condition and its impact. Encourage them to explore ways they can contribute to their family member's wellbeing, perhaps through shared hobbies or simply by being present. Having open dialogue can help teenagers navigate their complex feelings, providing a foundation of understanding and empathy that will serve them well during this challenging time.
Support for the Family
There are many helpful resources online, along with community cafes and groups to support families that are navigating a dementia diagnosis of a loved one.
Once care is in place, families need to consider how their family member living with dementia is protected legally.
They may need to sell their property to move into assisted living or a care home, and they are likely to need help managing their financial affairs once they start to deteriorate in health. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can appoint someone to take care of these matters, which is a lifeline when someone’s mental capacity is suffering.
To talk to one of our trusted solicitors, call us on 03444 124 348. Alternatively, you can email us on contact@bljsolicitors.co.uk, fill in our online form or speak to our live chat assistant at any time of day.