Senior Spotlight: Communication Tips For Loved Ones With Alzheimer’s or Dementia
"People will forget what you said, what you did, but never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou
A new read from Next Avenue reiterates what we all know to be true: “Practicing kind communication is essential to maintaining a person's integrity, reducing stress levels and promoting general well-being.”
While not a single one of us intends to get frustrated or agitated with our loved ones, effective communication becomes very difficult when a loved one is struggling with cognitive decline. The article ‘Strategies for Communication When Facing Alzheimer's Or Other Dementias’ offers some invaluable insights and tips on how to approach conversations in this context; we have outlined just a few of the many tips below!
| Many miscommunications happen when an individual is in a mental place between recall and memory lapse, and their family member or caregiver is unaware. It is easy to know when someone is experiencing a memory loss moment but may not be apparent in that ‘gray’ area of partial awareness.
| There is no rationale for what is remembered in one moment and forgotten the next. Don’t expect consistency.
| Allow aging loved ones a say in what their preferences are for ongoing communication as early signs of cognitive decline occur. Most people appreciate a sense of control and the desire to be included in conversations, even when they need breaks or additional time to process information.
| Eliminate use of the phrase “Did you remember to..?” as this can trigger adverse reactions.
| Meet those with dementia or Alzheimer’s where they are at; mirror the length of sentences and complexity of words that they are using.
| Accept that non-verbal communication is important too – a smile, a touch on the arm and a reassuring nod goes a long way when words are not possible.
Last but not least, author Sheryl Stillman advises that “No matter which strategy you deploy, whether it's spending time doing activities or in daily interactions, kindness may be the best communication tool of all.”
We would argue that this is true in any conversation regardless of age, health or cognitive status. The Golden Rule has gone out of style, and it is more than time to bring it back… don’t you think? 😉
With warm respect,
Bobbi
Bobbi Decker
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