5 Tips For Effectively Communicating with Seniors Who Have Alzheimer’s

It is indescribably painful to see the suffering of an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia. As the condition progresses, their minor forgetfulness gradually turns into a serious impairment. Knowing how to effectively communicate with them during this challenging time can make a huge difference in the quality of their life.

So, let’s get started!

Here’s what to expect!

A senior with Alzheimer’s often have trouble communicating clearly or even remembering words. Some patterns in conversations that you might notice are –

ü Having difficulty finding the right word

ü Describing an object instead of naming it

ü Mixing unrelated phrases or ideas together

ü Repeating words, questions, or stories

ü Speaking less often

ü Losing a train of thought, etc

Here’s what you can do to help!

1. Be an active & patient listener 

Always be patient when communicating with a senior with Alzheimer’s. If they are struggling to get across an idea, offer a guess. And if you do not understand what they are trying to say, try to interpret it based on the context.

2. Minimize distractions 

Find a place where there aren’t any distractions, such as the background noise coming from the radio, television, or other people’s conversations. This would allow them to easily focus on the conversation instead of getting their mind diverted to something else.

3. Refer to people by their names 

Try to avoid pronouns, such as ‘he’, ‘she’, ‘they’, etc. during the conversation. Instead, refer to people by their names for clarity. For instance:”Hi, Grandpa. It’s me Maria” would work better than “Hi. It’s me” when communicating with a senior with Alzheimer’s. 

4. Use non-verbal cues

Non-verbal cues, such as a smile or an eye contact can instantly put the senior at ease and facilitate understanding. In the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, non-verbal communication may actually be the only option you may have for talking to them.

5. Talk about only one thing at a time 

A senior with Alzheimer’s may not be able to maintain a conversation with multiple threads. So, make sure you talk about only a single thing at a time to avoid any confusion. 

You can also look for home care assistance for your elderly loved one in Orange County to make their live a little easier. As the leading home care agency in Orange County, we provide seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia the most compassionate care and companionship they need. Visit https://www.ocinhomecare.com/ or call us @ 714-406-2626 today to discuss your senior care needs!