A person with dementia can be difficult to communicate with.
Alzheimer's and dementia can be difficult to deal with.They can be challenged with their ability to recognize faces, remember words, or repeat themselves.Learning effective ways to communicate with them can help improve their quality of life.
Step 1: Make sure your loved one knows who you are.
Give your name and explain how you are related to your loved one.I am Annie, your granddaughter.Sue is my mom, not just Annie.
Step 2: It is better to make your words easier to comprehend.
Speak slowly and clearly.Simple words and short sentences can be used.Break long actions into smaller steps.It might be confusing to say we are going to the grocery store to pick up a few things, then we will see a movie at the mall.It could be changed to "First we are going to the grocery store."We will go to the park after that.We will go to the movie theater after that.
Step 3: Take some time.
The person should be given some time to answer questions.You are saying that it takes dementia patients longer to process.
Step 4: Clear body language can be an aid.
It can be difficult for people with dementia to find the right word.They can't find the right word or understand what it means.Encourage them to use gestures to describe what they're saying.If your loved one doesn't understand what you mean when you say "Wash your hands", you can show them how to do it.
Step 5: Don't try to argue.
It increases everyone's stress level and people with dementia feel confused.They may not remember asking the same question ten times.This behavior is caused by the disease, not the person.Even if they are false, going along with their stories can help keep the peace.You don't need to correct them.Take a break if you get frustrated and ready to argue.Give yourself a break.
Step 6: Don't treat the person like a child.
Don't be disrespectful.Give as much freedom as possible.Let them make their own decisions.Depending on the intensity of the dementia, your loved one may not be able to make many decisions, but be sure to give the opportunity as often as you can.Which shirt do you want to wear today?Quality of life can be improved by the blue one or the white one.
Step 7: Help with the conversation questions.
It is common for dementia patients to lose their train of thought.They might forget what they were talking about.Pay attention to what is being said and help the person get back on track, and don't make a big deal out of it.Say in a lighthearted tone of voice, "Oh, you were just telling me about the dog you had growing up!"Can you tell me more?
Step 8: Show your love and affection.
If you are comfortable, take the person's hand, give them a hug or kiss.There are many benefits to physical touch for people with dementia.
Step 9: Talk about the good old days.
Old pictures can be found in a photo album.Good conversations can be started with this.It is possible to learn more about your loved one's life and family history.
Step 10: Let them believe that they are still alive.
People with dementia sometimes think dead loved ones are still alive.The elderly person will be upset if they are told that the loved one is dead.Even if it means letting them be wrong, forgetting a difficult loss can be one of the few kindnesses of dementia.If your grandma asks "Where is my husband?"You could ask "Where do you think he is?" when you know he's dead.Agree if she says he is dead.Try saying "Yes, he's probably out shopping" if she says "I bet he is at the store."
Step 11: Repetitive questions are a good way to deal with them.
People with dementia don't remember what happened.They don't remember asking the question in the first place because of their short-term memory loss.Try to make them stop asking the question by changing the subject.You could ask, "Do you remember how we went to the choir concert?"Did you enjoy the concert?Changing the subject to a well-remembered past event may end the line of questioning because they will often find that their long-term memories are still quite good.You could ask about the day Kennedy was shot.
Step 12: It's best to cope with anxiety and delusions.
Your loved one may believe that people are out to get them, or that someone is stealing from them.It is common with Alzheimer's and dementia.It is a common belief that they have been robbed.They should be reassured that their possessions are safe, perhaps taking a few minutes to locate the object.Consider having your loved one seen by a primary care physician or a Psychiatrist to find a medication that will alleviate anxiety.
Step 13: You should be prepared for frequent calls.
If your loved one has been placed in an assisted living facility or nursing home, you may receive calls at all hours of the day and night.This can be very draining and requires some management.Don't call every single time.It's a good idea to put your phone on silent at night.Give assurance that you will help take care of the problem if you listen to your loved one's concerns.You don't need to attend to the person all the time if it's not an emergency.If you think there is a real problem that needs to be addressed, speak to the nurse at the nursing home.
Step 14: If they think they're in the future, let it go.
Sometimes people with dementia think they're in a past decade, meaning that they may call people by the wrong names and think that dead people are still alive.Trying to convince them that they're in the future isn't likely to work, so it's best to let it slide and have a nice conversation.Ask "Where do you think they could be?" if they ask where a dead person is.The person can say "In the cemetery" or "Maybe they went to the store.""Yes, that's probably right" is what they should say.It would be better if they didn't relive the pain of losing that person.
Step 15: There's a support group.
There is a support group for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's.You can contact your local senior services agency for suggestions, or try searching for one through the Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org/apps/we_can_help/support_groups.aspThey are a great way to avoid being alone.
Step 16: Ask other loved ones to help out.
Multiple people are sharing responsibilities when caring for someone with dementia.Come over and spend time with your loved one, help cook meals, take the person out to do something fun, and so on.
Step 17: Look for respite care.
You will need a break if you are your loved one's primary caregivers.Taking care of a person with dementia can be exhausting, and you need to care for yourself in order to be effective.There are options for in- home care.It's possible to have someone stay with your loved one while you're out of the house.There is a senior day center.It's possible to drop your loved one off for a few hours of activities and socializing.There is a residential facility.If you need to leave town for a few days or overnight, this can be an option.
Step 18: Tell your family about it.
It is possible for other family members to be involved in your loved one's care.You can discuss the highs and lows of day-to-day care with them.
Step 19: Talk to the care team.
Suggestions in effective communication methods may be given by the doctor, social worker, or nursing home staff.You will be a helpful source of information for these professionals if you open the lines of communication.
Step 20: Ask the elderly person what they would do to help them.
Giving them a say in what happens to them is one way to support their independence.It's nice to have their input, but you can't always give them what they want.