Communicating with a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia found in aging adults. It accounts for over 60% of dementia cases in America. Over 5 million Americans suffer from some level of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease is progressive and affects the cognitive abilities of the person. Currently, it’s the 6th leading cause of death among aging adults in the U.S.

Communication and Alzheimer’s

One of the biggest challenges when dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is communication. As the disease progresses, your loved one will start losing their ability to communicate. Some of the common problems faced by Alzheimer’s patients include:
· Easily losing a train of thought,
· Difficulty finding the right words,
· Having trouble with organizing words logically,
· Forgetting names of familiar objects and trying to describe them,
· Speaking less often,
· Repeating statements often in order to be understood,
· Using broad gestures instead of words,
· Reverting to using their native language, and
· Mixing different phrases together.

How Can You Help?

The main focus when communicating with a person who has Alzheimer’s should be on improving understanding in both directions. The most important thing is having patience and good listening skills.
Here are some tips to help you successfully communicate with a loved one that has Alzheimer’s.

Don’t Use Elderspeak

Treating elders like infants and talking to them like you would with a child is referred to as ‘Elderspeak’. It involves using a high-pitched voice and speaking slowly while using infantile terms of endearments such as sweetheart or honey. Regardless of the level of Alzheimer’s your loved one is suffering from, you need to make sure you treat them with respect and honor.

Consider a Gentle Touch

Older adults who have Alzheimer’s often tend to get lost in their own little bubble. The best way to get their attention and avoiding an outburst is by touching them gently. A gentle pat on the shoulder or the hand is the best way to let them know you need to speak with them. It’ll also let them know that they’re important and the physical touch will be appreciated as well.

Avoid Using Loud and Harsh Tones

Frustration is a big part of dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient. However, it’s vital never to let that frustration seep into your voice. Avoid shouting at a patient with dementia or speaking too loud. It’ll do nothing to their extent of understanding what you’re saying and will only result in agitation and fear. Alzheimer’s causes the brain to lose its cognitive abilities but doesn’t affect their hearing.

Connect With Them

Make sure you make plenty of eye contact and smile while talking to your loved one who’s suffering from dementia. Connect with them by calling them with their name or appropriate title. Hold hands while talking to them to let them know you support them no matter what. Not only will this improve your bond and understanding of each other, but it’ll also improve the quality of time you spend together!
Check out AvantGarde Senior Living and Memory Care for the best comprehensive care for your loved ones in Calabasas, CA. They provide recreational activities and memory care for seniors all over the city. They also offer professional care services in senior resident apartments and retirement communities as well as skilled nursing services and Alzheimer’s care in Calabasas.
For more details about their comprehensive services and amenities, visit their website or give them a call at (818) 881-0055.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

6 Things to Consider When Looking for a Senior Care Home

Image
Selecting the right senior living  community is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. It might get a little overwhelming knowing that the quality of your life will be determined by how the community is. Statistics show that there are more than 19,000 senior care homes  in the United States. Considering all communities the same would surely be a mistake. When you’re choosing one for yourself, make sure you evaluate certain key factors. Here are some of the most important things to look for in a senior care home. 1.  Purpose and Mission There might be a variety of senior living communities in the country, but their mission and vision are what sets them apart. Choose a community with a purpose that resonates with your own ideas and beliefs. Start by visiting different websites to get an insight into each community’s vision. 2.  The Location Select a senior living community in a location that suits you best. Would you prefer living in...
Read more

Identifying Signs of Memory Loss

Image
According to studies, nearly 16 million individuals  experience some form of memory loss as they age, which impairs both their memory as well as cognition. Recognizing the severity of the condition can be quite tricky, especially as it’s often associated with the natural aging process. Here’re a few indicators of memory loss. Trouble Doing Routine Tasks Have you noticed your loved one struggling with day to day tasks and activities they previously had no trouble doing? It can be an indication of the onset of dementia, especially if they seem to be struggling with slightly more complex tasks lately. This can include seemingly simple things such as adjusting the settings of the TV remote, or writing a check. They may even have difficulty doing household chores and activities, which results in their place looking messy and untidy when you go visit. Old age certainly tends to slow one down and may even cause forgetfulness, but if it interferes with their daily tasks this oft...
Read more