Alzheimer's and dementia can be hard to deal with.They can be challenged with their ability to recognize faces, remember a word, or repeat themselves.Learning effective ways to communicate with them can help improve their quality of life.
Step 1: Take the time to remind your loved one who you are.
Give your name and explain to your loved one how you are related.I am Annie, your granddaughter.It is better if your daughter Sue is my mom.
Step 2: Your words should be easier to comprehend.
Speak clearly and slowly.Simple words and short sentences can be used.Break 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."Pause again, then we will go to the park.We will go to the movie theater after that.
Step 3: Take it easy.
The person should be given some time to respond.You are saying that it takes dementia patients longer to process things.
Step 4: Body language can be used as 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're saying when you say "Wash your hands", you can show them how to do it.
Step 5: Don’t 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 you know their stories are false, you can still help keep the peace.Do not feel like you have to correct them.Take a break if you get frustrated and ready to argue.You should give yourself a timeout.
Step 6: The person needs to be treated like an adult.
Be respectful.Give as much freedom as possible.Let them make the decisions that are right for them.Depending on the intensity of the dementia, your loved one may not be able to make many decisions, but be sure to give them as many opportunities as you can.What 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 conversation questions.
Losing one's train of thought is a common problem with dementia patients.They may 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 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 ol' days.
You can find a photo album of old pictures.Good conversations can be started by this.You can learn more about your loved one's life.
Step 10: Let them believe that their loved ones 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 say "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: Referring to questions is 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.Changing the subject will make them stop asking.You might 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, as they will often find that their long-term memories are still quite good.You might ask about the day Kennedy was shot.
Step 12: Fight 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 a lot of phone calls.
If your loved one has been placed in an assisted living facility or nursing home, you may get 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.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, you can speak to the nurse at the nursing home.
Step 14: If they think they're in the past, 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 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 deceased 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: You should look for a support group.
There is a support group for caregivers of those 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 your loved ones to help out.
Multiple people sharing the responsibilities makes it easier to care 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 more.
Step 17: respite care is available.
You will need to take 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.There are some options for in- home care.If you're going to be out of the house for a while, you can have someone stay with your loved one at home.There is a senior day center.It's possible to drop your loved one off for a few hours of activities and socializing.The facility is a residential one.If you need to leave for a few days or overnight, this can be an option.
Step 18: Talk to your family.
It is possible for other family members to be involved in your loved one's care.You can talk to them about the highs and lows of day-to-day care.
Step 19: Talk to your loved one's care team.
Suggestions in effective communication methods can 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 with others involved.
Step 20: Ask the elderly person what they would do to help.
Giving them a say in what happens to them is one way to support their independence and well-being.It's nice to have their input, you can't always give them what they want.