Communicating with a loved one who has Dementia
Tips for Better Communication:
¨ Be aware of what you body and face is saying: Smile as much as possible, use slow hand gestures, keep your body relaxed. Try to make normal eye contact.
¨ Be aware of your tone of voice: Avoid yelling, but also be aware that you may be talking to someone with a hearing loss.
¨ Speak slowly and clearly: Alzheimer’s makes it harder to understand many words, this is called Receptive Aphasia. Speaking fast may mean the person you are talking to does not hear all of what you are saying. Set your own agenda aside!
¨ Try not to win arguments: Avoid reasoning or trying to convince them. Often they don’t understand the argument. They can become frustrated by not understanding, or because they are talking to someone who is frustrated.
¨ Limit choice to only a few; (Did you ever wonder why the kid’s menu is this way?) Ask questions which can be answered yes or no. Avoid giving lists or forms to fill out.
¨ Avoid conversations in crowded or loud places; Someone with Alzheimer’s is easily startled. It is harder to focus on one conversation when many others are going on. It is also hard to concentrate when always being startled. The same is true with young children.
¨ Acknowledge what is said: Repeat back key points, and work to let the individual with Alzheimer’s know you heard them.
¨ Agree as often as possible: Stay calm and soothing, and tell them you understand. Avoid using the word “no:” arguing and confrontation.
¨ Know first languages: Alzheimer’s can lead to forgetting second languages. A language spoken since birth can also be comforting when heard.
¨ Rephrase words that are upsetting: Individuals with Alzheimer’s may not recognize or understand words you use. Try to find simpler and more comforting terns or those you are using are upsetting. For example, “day care” often becomes “going to work” or “the [Insert name here] club.”
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