10 Tips for Communicating with an Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients

Do not argue with a person living with Alzheimer's. It gets you nowhere.Ever feel like you just weren ’t getting through or able to deal effectively with a person living with Alzheimer's or a related dementia?Try some of these tips to see if they help.What is the Difference Between Alzheimer ’s and DementiaBy Carole LarkinAlzheimer's Reading RoomArticle -Tips for communicating with Alzheimer ’s and dementia patients1. Make eye contactAlways approach them face-to-face and make eye contact. Use their name if you need to. It is vital that they actually see you and that their attention is focused on you.Read their eyes.Always approach from the front as approaching and speaking from the side or from behind can startle them.Article -How to Listen to an Alzheimer's Patient2. Be at their levelMove your head to be at the same level as their head.Bend your knees or sit down to reach their level. Do not stand or hover over them – it is intimidating and scary. They can’t focus on you and what you are saying if they are focused on their fear.Topic -The Importance of Nonverbal Communication in Dementia Care3. Tell them what you are going to do before you do itParticularly if you are going totouch them. They need to know what is coming first so that they don ’t think that you are grabbing them.Article -The Importance of Touch and Kindness in Dementia Care4. Speak calmlyAlways speak in a calm manner with an upbeat tone of voice, even if you don ’t feel that way.If you sound ang...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimer's care Alzheimer's Communication Alzheimer's Dementia care of dementia patients communication and alzheimer's dementia care help alzheimer's memory care Source Type: blogs