24/07/2024
Communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or dementia can be challenging and even frustrating. They may have trouble remembering, become anxious or angry, or have trouble finding the right words. In these moments, have compassion and remember that the disease is causing these changes, and they're likely feeling frustrated as well.
Here are some important tips for better communication:
1. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻: Speak calmly, listen to their concerns, and show empathy.
2. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Allow them to retain as much control over their lives as possible.
3. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲: Be mindful of their need for personal space.
4. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀: Include both to create a comfortable routine.
5. 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗿 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀: Surround them with well-loved items and photographs to make them more secure.
6. 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: Remind them who you are without saying, “Don’t you remember?”
7. 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Maintain two-way conversations for as long as possible
8. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Distract with familiar activities like photo albums or reading if verbal communication is tough.
A compassionate approach to these changes can significantly improve your interactions, enhancing both their quality of life and your relationship.
