Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia slowly destroy a person’s memory and diminish communication skills. This is deeply frustrating for caregivers. Here are some tips that may help.
Avoid “elderspeak.” Persons with dementia may not be able to formulate their thoughts but they are very aware when they are being spoken to like a child. Speaking loudly in a high pitched simple baby-talk tone is recognized as not being the way normal adults speak to each other and can seem condescending. Speak in a normal adult voice but do modify your content. For example, avoid open-ended questions like “What would you like for dinner?” Instead ask “Would you like pork chops or a cheese omelet?”
Be aware of your body language. The reality of brain change is that while cognitive process declines, emotional intelligence is still working. Persons with dementia can read your moods and manners quite well. Be sure your attitude and body language express love, concern, good humor, caring and friendliness. Even if you don’t always feel that way.
Change your approach as the disease progresses. Don’t make assumptions about the person’s ability to communicate based on a diagnosis. Keep talking to your loved one, practice your friendly loving demeanor and adjust your expectations as time goes by. The Alzheimer’s Assn. offers an excellent list of communication strategies broken down by the stages of decline. Click here for more information. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications
The National Institute on Aging has resources on communication and other issues in dementia. Click here https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving-changes-communication-skills
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This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers. New members are always welcome! Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer French at 262 473 0535. More resources for caregivers:
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center
