It can be a daunting task to communicate with a loved one or any other person who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease. You may quickly become discourage – especially if you think of how it easy it used to be in the past to converse with them. Here are a few quick tips that you can keep in mind to have successful conversations and avoid that discouragement:
Keep It Simple and Short
Long sentences with an advanced vocabulary will slip through the cracks of an Alzheimer’s patient’s comprehension. This is why it is recommended that you keep it short and simple. Use a calm and gentle tone while getting your point across for the best response.
Eliminate All Background Noise & Distractions
It is very easy for someone in need of Alzheimer’s and dementia care to get overwhelmed by noises and other distractions. It may seem like “background noise” that you can easily tune out. Rest assured that doing so is nearly impossible for them. Turn off any background noise (such as music, movies, or even loud phone calls) if you want the person to calmly focus on your words and expressions.
Attention First, Conversation Second
When speaking with someone who does not have Alzheimer’s Disease, you may be able to dive right into the conversation and grab their attention along the way. However, when communicating with an Alzheimer’s patient, you should call them by name first and make sure that you have their attention before you start your conversation. Doing so will make it less frustrating for you both and you will have a better chance of getting them to understand you.
If you need any professional assistance regarding Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Washington, DC, feel free to reach out to a team of trained & licensed experts – such as Capital City Nurses – to come to your aid.
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