Communicating with Dementia & Alzheimer's sufferers

 Our office works with countless families that are dealing with Alzheimer's or dementia.  While not contagious, both of these conditions have a huge impact on the family, not just the sufferer. 

Communication in these cases is crucial in that it can have a direct impact on sufferer's demeanor,  attitude, mood, etc.  With that in mind, we offer some tips on how to make this task easier:

1. Don’t say “remember”. Many times they will not be able to do so, and you are just pointing out their shortcomings. That is insulting, and can cause anger and/or embarrassment. Remove this word from your vocabulary!
2. Turn negatives into positives. For example say “Let’s do this” instead of “Stop doing that”.
3. Tell them what you are going to do before you do it. Particularly if you are going to touch them. They need to know what is coming first so that they don’t think that they are being grabbed.
4. Make eye contact. Always approach them face-to-face and make eye contact before speaking. It is important that they actually see you and that their attention is focused on you.
5. Do not stand or hover over them – it is intimidating and scary. They can’t focus on you and what you are saying if they are frightened.  Being at their eye level is a friendlier approach.
6. If you have questions, only ask one at a time. And let them answer it before you move on to another.
7. Always speak in a calm manner. If you sound angry or agitated, they will often mimic that mood, and it's likely to stay with them for a while!
8. Do not argue as it gets you nowhere. It's better to validate feelings, by saying "I understand how you feel”.  Then redirect by asking them to tell a story that they are fond of sharing.  For instance, lead them into the topic by saying "Tell me about the time..."

 These simple techniques can help ease an Alzheimer's & dementia sufferers anxiety tremendously.  Give it a try.

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!