Providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be very challenging. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that negatively impacts a person’s thinking, memory, and behavior. An individual with Alzheimer’s disease has multiple physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. Good communication is essential for providing top quality care.
Although most people with Alzheimer’s disease are over the age of 65, it is important to realize that Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging or senior health. In this article you will learn how you can communicate effectively with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease and help to increase his quality of life.
Have Patience
People with Alzheimer’s disease will forget many things. They may be able to remember family members by name one minute and then forget that they have children five minutes later. Even if the statements they make are inaccurate, it’s important not to correct them harshly and repeatedly. Remember, these individuals may no longer have access to all their memories but they still prefer to be treated with respect.
From time to time, people with Alzheimer’s disease will recognize when they make a mistake without someone else pointing it out to them. You can help them to maintain their dignity and have a better daily life by being more patient.
Make Eye Contact And Call Them By Name
It’s likely that you make eye contact when you are speaking with someone who does not have Alzheimer’s disease. Making eye contact during a conversation is important as it lets the other person know that you are trying to communicate with him. When you are speaking to a loved one who has Alzheimer’s, it is highly recommended that you maintain eye contact. Your loved one will be more focused on what you are saying and it will help you to get your message across successfully.
It is also important to call people with Alzheimer’s by name when you speak with them. This helps them to maintain their sense of identity. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means the symptoms get worse over time. Even so, using a person’s name regularly helps him to understand that he is valued as an individual, even if his mental health and cognitive function is declining.
Control Your Emotions
It is not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s to become more depressed and aggressive as the disease progresses. Caregivers need to remember that these individuals do not have complete control of their thoughts, emotions, or actions. As caregivers still have control of their faculties, their attitude and actions should demonstrate that they clearly understand the situation. While it may be tempting to return tit for tat, a responsible caregiver will respond with empathy and compassion.
If your loved one is becoming more aggressive, try not to rush your words, sound irritated, or speak harshly. Never resort to physical abuse just because you feel frustrated. If you are upset, it’s okay to take a moment to calm your emotions and regain your mental clarity. Communicating in a calm and respectful manner will help to put your loved one at ease.
Keep Things Positive
Having regular, light-hearted conversations with your loved one and getting him involved in daily activities can help to slow cognitive decline. However, as the disease progresses, you will need to put more effort into the conversations you two have and the quality of care you provide. If a conversation gets heated, try to change the subject to something more pleasant. Realizing that your loved one is dealing with a tougher situation that you are can help you to keep a positive mindset as interact with him.
Conclusion
Communicating with an individual suffering from memory loss is challenging. After all, your loved one doesn’t fully understand what he is going through. You may have to adjust your way of talking to get your message across and be receptive to your loved one’s memory needs. As you still have full control over your mental faculties, it’s on you to make communication as easy and efficient as possible.
