If your family member has Alzheimer’s, you will know how challenging it is to communicate with them. Due to this illness, they find it challenging to articulate their thoughts and share them with loved ones. You will also observe that they repeat certain things, react impulsively, lose train of thought, or gradually stop communication. This creates difficulties in their daily functioning, which can be frustrating for both you and them. However, effective communication can help ease the situation, enable you to understand them better and offer comfort to the patient. Here are some easy techniques for communicating with an Alzheimer’s patient:
Be Patient
Being patient is the key to dealing with Alzheimer’s patients. If they are slow with their communication and take time to organize their thoughts, lend them that time. You should wait until they are ready to speak rather than interrupting and stopping them midway. This makes the patient more comfortable and normal.
Learn to Interpret
It becomes challenging for Alzheimer’s patients to express their feelings or thoughts. Sometimes, whatever they try to explain may sound vague to you, leaving you baffled. At such times, try to make sense of what they are saying based on the context. Also, to make things easier for them, offer to guess what they may be trying to communicate.
Make Them Comfortable
Do not be too serious with the patient at all times. It makes them feel uncomfortable. Instead, joke around with them or make them laugh. It will lighten the tension and mood, making them comfortable and strengthening your bond with them. Subsequently, they will feel loved and heard.
Use Simple Language
Alzheimer’s patients often struggle to interpret and explain things, making it difficult to answer your questions. So, even if you ask them a simple question, for instance, what they would like for dinner, they will find it difficult to remember the dish’s name. Simplify the language for them as much as you can. For example, ask them questions that have ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. This will make communication easier for both of you.
Use Visual Cues
Let actions speak louder than words, quite literally in this case. For example, if you want to ask them whether they have taken their medicines, just point it out to the medicine box. That’s it. This will make the communication less complex for them, and they will be more comfortable answering questions.
Avoid Arguing
The reality is different for Alzheimer’s patients. They may say the wrong things or express opinions that you disagree with. At such times, do not correct or argue with them. Just try to understand their point of view and listen to them.
The life of Alzheimer’s patients is not easy, but with these small efforts, you can make them feel comfortable and connected. However, do not hesitate to take an expert’s help if you are unable to control the situation. Cherokee Angel Senior Care and Training Center provides health experts to take care of your loved ones so they feel safe and you are less worried. Connect with us now.