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Nov 28, 2023 · People with Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble finding the right words or remembering what they want to say. This can make communication difficult. Use the tips below to better communicate with a person who has Alzheimer’s. To share the image, right-click on it and select “save image as” to save the file to your computer.
- Communicating With Someone Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease
Read and share this infographic about how to communicate...
- Communicating With Someone Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease
- Use What You Know About The Person
- Reduce Distractions
- Chat Face to Face
- Be Flexible
- Stay Positive
- Take Care of Yourself Too!
What does the person like? Use that knowledge to suggest conversation topics or activities they may enjoy.Nurture the person’s skills and abilities. Focus on what they can do instead of what they can’t.When the person is making a choice, offer them a couple of options that you know they will like.Take note of possible visual or auditory distractions in the person’s environment and minimize them.Account for any hearing or vision challenges the person may have.Make eye contact to help focus the person’s attention.Avoid talking to the person if you’re behind them or where they can’t see you.Speak clearly, using short and simple sentences.Show as well as talk. Using actions can help give your words meaning.A person’s abilities can change from day to day, so take a few moments at the beginning of the conversation to assess how they’re doing.Look for changes in behaviour and body language that may tell how the person is feeling, especially if they may indicate discomfort. Adjust to accommodate.When the person is unable to communicate verbally, communicate through the senses, like touch.Be aware of your own tone and body language. Model the mood.Connect instead of correct. Ignore mistakes and give encouragement.When you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and exhale.On the days when these tips don’t seem to help, remember that your presence is still felt by the person living with dementia. It’s not easy to be there for the person while also taking care of yourself at the same time. It’s important to find a healthy balance and ask for a handwhen you need it!
Tips for listening to a person with dementia. Listen carefully to what the person is saying. Offer encouragement both verbally and non-verbally, for example by making eye contact and nodding. This ‘active listening’ can help improve communication. The person’s body language can show a lot about their emotions.
Jul 26, 2022 · Reduce distractions. Bring the person to a quieter place if possible. It can be reassuring and help them understand you better. Stay calm and be patient. Avoid body language that makes you seem annoyed, like sighing or crossing your arms. People living with dementia may be sensitive to nonverbal cues. Pay attention to behaviour and body language.
Oct 3, 2024 · Challenges with communication are a common symptom of dementia. People with dementia may have difficulty finding the right words, following a conversation, or understanding a request or question.
Mar 2, 2023 · In the early stages of dementia, people may continue to communicate normally. But it still helps to keep in mind the following tips when talking to someone with early-stage dementia: Try not to assume what the person does or does not know; caregivers and friends should avoid answering questions or taking over tasks that the person can still do on their own.
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Read and share this infographic about how to communicate with a person who has Alzheimer's disease. Make eye contact and call the person by name. Be aware of your tone, volume, facial expressions, and body language. Try to avoid appearing angry or tense. Show a warm, loving, and matter-of-fact manner.
