Helpful Hints and Tips for better Communication

Hints and Tips for Better Communication

The Dementia Care Foundation is offering free information that can help anyone to a better relationship and more communication with their loved one who has Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

The information may be downloaded in an Easy to save PDF file format, or save the link to their site and visit often.

Below is a sample of  the available Hints and Tips from this informative site. It’s great insight into caring for someone with dementia and a look at how they feel and interact with you.  For more visit their website here –>The Dementia Care Foundation

Communication Tips directly from Individuals with Early Memory Loss

• Speak with a smile, so I know that you care
• If you are tense, remember I feel your tension too
• A smile takes away tension and helps put me at ease
• Use language I understand – keep it simple, no jargon or slang
• Slow down your speech
• Keep it short and to the point, one idea at a time
• Be clear and concise
• Let me take the time to think through what you said to me.
• ….

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When a person with Alzheimer’s disease is having difficulty expressing themselves and understanding others they may:

• Have difficulty finding the right words
• Use familiar words repeatedly
• Invent new words to describe familiar objects
• Frequently lose their train of thought
• Experience difficulty organizing words logically
• Revert to speaking in a native language
• Curse or use offensive words
• Speak less often
• Rely on nonverbal gestures

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When having a conversation…

Do not startle by approaching from behind.  Begin conversations by identifying yourself, calling the person by name and orienting them to the situation.  Stand in front or in the direct line of vision of the person Alzheimer’s.  Touch an arm or shoulder gently to get or keep attention.  Show your interest by sustaining eye contact throughout the conversation……….
Show Compassion:

Be patient and supportive.  Let the individual know that you’re listening and trying to understand what is being said.
Avoid criticizing, correcting, and arguing.  Avoid using negative statements and quizzing (i.e., “You know who that is, don’t you?”)……………..

Coping Strategies to Respond to Lost Abilities:

Use song lyrics or prayer verses to communicate since these are easier to remember and understand.
Reminiscence about the previous good times to give your loved one something to talk about that he/she will remember.
Use touch and music to substitute when conversation is too difficult to carry……Read More

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 Creating Moments of Joy : A Journal for Caregivers, Fourth EditionCheck Price Managing Alzheimer’s and Dementia BehaviorsCheck Price Keeping Busy: A Handbook of Activities for Persons with DementiaCheck Price Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope Check Price When Your Loved One Has Dementia: A Simple GuideCheck Price Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s: A Groundbreaking Approach Check Price Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s & Other DementiasCheck Price

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