Communicating with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Sufferers
Memory Care and Assisted Living professionals are exerts at dealing with those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Not only do they provide round the clock help with dressing, toileting, personal hygiene and all aspect of resident care, they have become skilled at the art of successfully communicating with those placed in their care.
You can expect that those with Alzheimer’s and other forms dementia will have continually increasing issues with verbal communications. They will commonly experience trouble finding the right words, recalling names and events and are easy confused. Also, they often exhibit frustration and angry as they try to communicate with family members and friends. Your overall success in communicating with a loved one, with serious forms of memory loss comes down to your ability to be, understanding, patient and a good listener. Here are communication tips that can help.
Professional Caregiver Secrets to Better Communicate with Loved Ones Suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Better Communication DO’S
ü Always call the person by their first name
ü Tell them your name and who you are
ü Be patient, respectful, supportive and reassuring
ü Always refer to family and friends by name
ü Smile and make eye contact
ü Avoid becoming frustrated
ü Make your statements short, simple and clear
ü Speak slowly and be sure to enunciate the important words
ü Asks as many “Yes” or “No” questions as possible
ü Keep you sense of humor, but don’t joke about their inability to communicate
ü Try to avoid the topics that will upset them
ü Think through how you can more simply communicate important issues, or bad news
ü Be as repetitious as necessary
ü Work to maintain their attention
ü Communicate things about their lives, friends, hobbies, and your last visit
Communication DON’TS
ü Never ask questions that will challenge their short term memory
ü Never say “Do you remember,” “Did you forget” or “What did you do”
ü Never speak in paragraphs or ask long involved question
ü Never point out their memory difficulties
ü Never Argue
ü Never talk with others as if your loved one isn’t there
ü Never speak in baby talk
ü Never say thing like “As I just told you”
ü Never use slang, unfamiliar words or modern jargon
ü Never use sarcasm
ü Never force them to answer
ü Never make vague or confusing statements
ü Never try to communicate in a busy of noise location
ü Never quiz