How to Respond To a Senior with Alzheimer’s

Communication Tips for Nassau County Family Caregivers

If the New Year is difficult for your loved one with Alzheimer’s try few of these communication tips:
 

How to talk with your loved one with Alzheimer’s
Here is how to respond in a way that calms down and helps someone with Alzheimer's let go of the idea. First, it helps to understand what they really mean. Next, do your best to not take it personally so you can stay calm too. Then, use one of these 3 kind responses. These calming answers can help you avoid upsetting your older adult or getting into a big fight.

1. Reassure and comfort

Approach your older adult with a calm, soothing, and relaxed manner. If you remain calm, they’ll start calming down too. They’ll pick up on your body language and tone of voice and will subconsciously start to match you. Sometimes what they are saying is how your senior tells you they’re tense, anxious, scared, or in need of extra comfort. If they like hugs, this is a good time for a big one. Others may prefer gentle touching or stroking on their arm or shoulder or simply having you sit with them.  Another way of giving extra comfort and reassurance is to give them a comforting blanket, therapy doll, or stuffed animal to cuddle.

2. Avoid reasoning and explanations

Trying to use reason and logic with someone who has a brain disease will only make them more insistent, agitated, and distressed. They won’t be able to process that information and will feel like you’re stopping them from doing something they know is important.

3. Agree, then redirect and distract

Being able to redirect and distract is a challenging, but very effective technique. It’s a skill that improves with practice, so don’t get down on yourself up if the first few attempts don’t work perfectly.

FOR A FULL LIST OF WAYS TO RESPOND PLEASE CLICK HERE

Source: https://dailycaring.com/3-ways-to-respond-when-someone-with-alzheimers-says-i-want-to-go-home/