5 Tips for Handling Communication Issues from Alzheimer’s Disease
Elderly care is a troublesome issue, especially when a senior has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and cannot easily remember or communicate their own healthcare needs.
At that point, your loved one may have so many changes from day to day that maintaining trust in their healthcare workers is troublesome. Even remembering family and loved ones is completely lost at some point, making the issue of communication a complete challenge for everyone.
Caregiver in Loudoun County VA: Alzheimers Communication
#1 – Communicate Directly
Communication strategies with Alzheimer’s communication can be quite challenging. As symptoms progress, many important steps keep the benefits of care moving along positively. Especially if you care for this loved one in your own home, or even just keeping them in your life, you can maintain eye contact and one-on-one conversations. Additionally, you may want to do the following:
- Speak slowly and clearly, avoiding multi-step instructions.
- Keep direct attention and avoid distractions.
- Approach seniors from the front and introduce yourself.
#2 – Be Comforting and Affectionate
It is also important to offer comfort and support to seniors facing Alzheimer’s Disease. You have the ability to see the frightening nature of this disease from their point-of-view. Some simple suggestions may include:
-Offer comfort. If they have trouble communicating, provide gentle encouragement.
-Don’t pull away. Follow along with their attempts at communication.
-Don’t be afraid to laugh with them. Help them to relax.
#3 – Remember that Alzheimer’s Seniors are People Too
Avoid putting down your loved ones facing Alzheimer’s with arguments, criticism, and correction. It is better to attempt interpretation and try to understand the context of what is being said. If the person is struggling to get an idea out, offer a guess. Some additional options include:
-Be aware of your nonverbal cues. Speak calmly. Keep your body language relaxed.
-Show respect. Avoid baby talk and diminutive phrases, such as “good girl.” Don’t talk about your loved one as if he or she weren’t there.
#4 – Keep it Simple
There are many options for keeping communication simple when caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease. Most often this includes questions that offer “yes” or “no” answers or being more detailed in the choices that are offered to a senior. This may include something like “Would you like to take a shower before bed or when you get up in the morning?” instead of the more general question, “When would you like to take a shower?”
-Use short sentences. Break down requests into single steps.
-Understand that not all communication needs to be verbal.
#5 – Don’t Give in to The Challenges
There are challenging times with a senior loved one facing memory loss, especially because they may seem like a completely different person than they used to be. As the troubles with memory loss progress, it may be important to have professional care, either at a memory care center or with in-home care, but you should still maintain communication with your loved one. Some things are very important as you communicate, including:
-Be patient. Take time to listen and allow time for the person with Alzheimer’s Disease to talk without interruption.
-Take breaks. If you’re frustrated, take a timeout.
No matter what, elderly care requires careful consideration, especially for those seniors facing Alzheimer’s disease and other sorts of memory loss. Considering the fact that this is such a tender subject and issue in need of caution both on the part of the senior and caregiver, it is so important to manage communication carefully.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Loudoun County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
Sources
Webmd.com
Nia.nih.gov
Mayoclinic.org
Alz.org
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