It can be difficult for family members to care for a senior parent with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s affects each senior in a unique way, so family caregivers have to constantly adapt and learn new ways to interpret the needs of their senior parent. And it can make communicating with their senior parent very difficult.
Often family caregivers don’t know that much about Alzheimer’s or how it can affect the way that seniors think and communicate. It’s good for family caregivers to learn as much as they can about Alzheimer’s. And it’s also good for them to get Alzheimer’s care at home for their senior parent. Alzheimer’s care at home is provided by professional caregivers who have experience and education that helps them communicate effectively with seniors who have Alzheimer’s.
When seniors have Alzheimer’s care at home they will get better care, and family caregivers can learn more about how to effectively care for their senior parent. Some communication tips from experience Alzheimer’s caregivers that family members can use are:
Stay Calm
Seniors who have Alzheimer’s are very sensitive to other people’s moods and tones, usually because they are trying to figure out if they done something wrong. It’s very important to keep your tone cheerful, calm, or at least neutral when trying to communicate with your senior parent who has Alzheimer’s.
Maintain Eye Contact
When communicating with a senior with Alzheimer’s, maintain eye contact to convey attentiveness and connection. Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, help them understand what you mean and the tone that you’re trying to communicate.
Use Simple and Clear Language
Keep language simple and straightforward. Use short sentences and clear, uncomplicated words to convey messages. Avoid complex explanations or questions that may lead to confusion. Whenever possible use direct commands and don’t offer too many choices, that can overwhelm someone with Alzheimer’s.
Speak Slowly and Clearly
Slow down your speech, enunciating each word clearly. Give the senior ample time to process information and respond. Rushed or fast-paced speech may lead to frustration and difficulty understanding.
Be Patient and Give Them Extra Time to Respond
Patience is key when communicating with seniors with Alzheimer’s. Your senior parent may not understand what you are saying to them right away. They may need extra time to think about it, process your words, and form a response.
Use Visual Aids And Gestures
It can be helpful for some seniors with Alzheimer’s if family members use pictures, drawings, or objects in addition to words to provide cues. Gestures such as pointing in the direction you want them to go while telling them where to go can be helpful too. Holding up a coat while telling them it’s time to put on their coat, holding a dish and saying it’s dinnertime, and using objects as cues is recommended.
Offer Choices, But Not Too Many
Offering a choice can be empowering to a senior with Alzheimer’s, but too many choices is overwhelming. For example, don’t ask them if they want to wear a shirt or a sweatshirt. Ask if they want to wear a blue shirt or a black one. Give them two concrete options and let them choose. If possible, hold up the items that are being offered so they have a visual cue.
Provide choices to empower the senior and make decision-making easier. Offering options helps maintain a sense of control and independence. For instance, ask, “Would you like to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt today?”
Avoid Arguing or Correcting
Avoid arguments or corrections if the senior says something that is not accurate or may be a product of confusion. Instead, redirect the conversation or acknowledge their perspective without contradicting. Don’t tell them they are wrong, that can lead to confusion or upset. Just move on and redirect them to something else.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Mesa, AZ please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care today. Call (480) 777-0070
Legacy Home Care is a top provider of home care services in Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and surrounding areas.
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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