3 Brilliant Ways to Communicate with an Alzheimer's Patient

Even when Alzheimer's is at an advanced stage you can get through to the patient using these simple communication techniques.By Carole B. LarkinAlzheimer's Reading RoomI had an ah ha moment reading this Parade Magazine article (which I edited for length).Three brilliant ideas - memory flashcards to remind loved ones of relationships; and, notes to loved ones to ease anxiety, and positive suggestions to slow down repetitive questions.More Tips -Alzheimer's Caregiver TipsSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail:Eighty-year-old Mary studied her only daughter's face intently."You're not my Susan," she said.Susan cried as she recounted the incident to Michelle S. Bourgeois, a speech-pathology professor at Ohio State University who is an expert at communicating with people who have dementia.1. Create Memory Flash CardsBourgeois suggested that Susancreate memory flashcards. "Your mother will never forget you," Bourgeois told her. "She just needs help remembering."The next week at the nursing home, Susan said,"Mom, I have a gift for you" and gave her two photos.Under one she'd written, "This is my daughter Susan at age three"; under the other was "This is my daughter Susan now." Mary studied the photos, then looked at Susan and said,"As beautiful as ever."Learn More -What to do when dementia patient gets agitated___________________________________________Bourgeois is part of a group of scientists whose work marks a sea change inhow caregivers deal with people who have dementia,...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimer's care Alzheimer's Communication Alzheimer's Dementia dementia care help alzheimer's help with dementia help with dementia care Searches related to Alzheimer's Caregiver Source Type: blogs