When one of our clients needed to attend a meeting, I spent the afternoon with her husband John, who has dementia. John wanted to play Chinese checkers.
Here’s the thing: I didn’t know how to play Chinese checkers. And that turned out to be perfect.
Instead of correcting John when he moved pieces “incorrectly” or getting frustrated when he didn’t follow traditional rules, I simply enjoyed the game with him. When he moved my marble back (against the rules), I just laughed and said, “John, you’re supposed to go easy on me!”
We had a wonderful time. John was laughing, engaged, and when his wife returned, he was eager to teach me another game and didn’t want me to leave.
This is exactly how you should interact with someone living with dementia. When you’re not attached to rigid rules or trying to “fix” someone, you create space for genuine connection and joy.
John didn’t need someone to correct him. He needed someone to meet him where he was and enjoy his company.
That’s the Navigate Wellness difference: We care for the whole person, not just the condition.
-Janie
