Communicating With Seniors Suffering From Alzheimer’s Disease

It is not only a terrifying time for suffers of the disease, but also incredibly frustrating and hurtful when they are misunderstood or disregarded. It is imperative, therefore, that loved ones and caregivers use effective techniques to communicate. It can be difficult finding the right method since Alzheimer’s disease affects everyone differently; what works for one person might not work for another, but it’s definitely worth the effort to find a solution.

In the middle stage of the disease, communication can become a bigger challenge. The senior will have a harder time understanding others and their own speech might become slower and difficult to decipher at times as well. They might jumble grammar and substitute words with unrelated ones, or get stuck on a certain thought. If English is their second language, many sufferers begin forgetting it and resort to using of their native tongue only. Misunderstandings can occur often, and this can result in the elderly getting frustrated, angry, or depressed; certainly not the desired outcome.

Keeping alzheimer’s sufferers safe

Pulling away from family because of difficult communication and the increasing desire to get away from the source of their frustration could also be dangerous for sufferers of the disease. It could cause the person to leave their home and wander around aimlessly, perhaps even getting lost and confused after setting out. Of course, such wandering is known to occur with Alzheimer’s patients for to a variety of reasons, but it is always smart to try and avoid instigating this urge, as well as to take preventative measures.

Tips for communicating with alzheimer’s sufferers

It is important to never treat a person with Alzheimer’s disease as if they aren’t present or as if they were children. They deserve respect and acting as if they are unfit to communicate with is hurtful and unwarranted. Here are some things to consider:

• Always address them properly and introduce yourself if necessary.
• Find calm, quiet places to talk to avoid confusion and distraction.
• Be patient and listen when they speak.
• Clarify and help them find words they’re struggling with by repeating your interpretation of their sentences, but don’t correct them directly.
• You may also find the need to repeat yourself if the elderly didn’t understand you the first time, but try not to get impatient and rephrase to help them.
• Don’t use potentially hurtful language such as ‘remember when…?’ or ‘I just told you…’
• Employ the use of gestures, especially in the late stage of the disease, and give clear instructions and cues.
• Ask yes/no questions instead of open-ended ones.