Tips for Communicating with those Suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia
The professional staff at Memory Care and Assisted Living Communities here in Jacksonville are exerts at dealing with patient with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Not only do they provide round the clock help with all aspect of resident care, they have mastered the art of effectively communicating with their memory care patients.
It can be expected that those with Alzheimer’s and dementia will have ever increasing problems with verbal communications. They will regularly experience trouble finding the right words, remembering names and events are easy confused, and often become frustrated and angry as they try to communicate with family and friends. Your success in communicating with a loved one, with Alzheimer’s 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
Easy Communication DO’S
- Always call the person by their first name
- Tell them your name and who you are
- Be patient, respectful, supportive and reassuring
- Always refer to family and friends by name
- Smile and make eye contact
- Avoid becoming frustrated
- Make your statements short, simple and clear
- Speak slowly and be sure to enunciate the important words
- Asks as many “Yes” or “No” questions as possible
- Keep you sense of humor, but don’t joke about their inability to communicate
- Try to avoid the topics that will upset them
- Think through how you can simply communicate important issues, or bad news
- Be as repetitious as necessary
- Attract and maintain their attention
- Tell them about their lives, friends, travels hobbies, and your last visit
Proven Communication DON’Ts
- Never ask questions that will challenge their short term memory
- Never say “Do you remember,” “Did you forget” or “What did you do”
- Never speak in paragraphs or ask long involved question
- Never point out their memory difficulties
- Never Argue
- Never talk with others as if your loved one isn’t there
- Never speak in baby talk
- Never say thing like “As I just told you”
- Never use slang, unfamiliar words or modern jargon
- Never use sarcasm and avoid puns
- Never force a response
- Never make vague or confusing statements
- Never try to communicate in a busy of noise location
- Never quiz