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How to guide people to talk to someone with Alzheimer's? Any tips?
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Feb 6 7:49am | Replies (10)Comment receiving replies
Here is a simple list I got from a website. It is a good basis for those not up to speed on Dementia/AD.
Ten tips for communicating with a person with Alzheimer’s:
Approach calmly and with respect.
Get their attention first: Make eye contact and say their name. Try to stay in their vision of focus.
Speak clearly and simply: Use short sentences and familiar words, but don't talk to them like they are a child.
Ask one question at a time: Keep questions simple and offer choices when possible.
Be patient and give time to respond: Processing takes longer. Gently repeat or rephrase.
Avoid correcting or arguing: do not challenge them; instead validate and redirect.
Use non-verbal cues: gestures, facial expressions and touch can help convey meaning when words fail.
Keep eye contact and stay at their level: sit beside them or at eye level.
Reassure and encourage, offering praise and reassurance can ease anxiety.
Adapt to their changing abilities: what works now may not work in the future.
I hope this helps.
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@japlok All GREAT advice!! It was like i was reading something I wrote...because these are all the things I did for my hubby. Yes and no questions, choices, and non=verbal cues were a very common way to communicate with him. And eye contact was very important because he didn't always know I was talking to him. AND speaking slowly so he could process what I was saying.
He has severe aphasia so that made it difficult for both of us because he couldn't always express what he needed or wanted and i had a hard time understanding what he wanted but we managed. Im speaking in both past and present tense because this journey now has him in hospice care. There's not much communication with him anymore, We're just making sure he stays comfortable and rests comfortable for the remainder of his beautiful life. He no longer remembers my name and barely recognizes my face...but he DOES remember my touch 🙂 So yes, touch is a vital part of all of this because i truly believer that there are things he will always remember.
Love and Peace