How do you communicate with someone who has memory loss? is a common question for anyone who is just starting to deal with a loved one’s dementia.
It’s simple: Treat talking to a person with dementia the same way you would treat talking to a child.
That doesn’t include adopting a condescending attitude or talking with those who have dementia indecently. It does involve speaking clearly, keeping an encouraging tone, and a cheerful expression, making eye contact, and open gestures. Also, it requires exercising patience.
Memory loss is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, a progressive disorder that can be slowed down but not cured. You may still have caring, supportive talks as your loved one begins their dementia journey by applying these eight easy methods:
Also, check the truth behind these 7 common myths about dementia.
1. Establish an environment that encourages focus
Background noise should be kept to a minimum. Ask children to play in a different room and to be quiet if they are running around and making noise. switch off the radio or TV.
Shut the door during your visit if your loved one is in personal care or a memory care facility to minimize hallway noises. Then use easy techniques to capture and hold your loved one’s attention.
Call your family member by name. Don’t get upset if they can’t remember your name; just introduce yourself and carry on. Make and maintain eye contact. Then lightly touch the hand, forearm, or shoulder to direct attention.
2. Keep a positive & upbeat tone
When a loved one is suffering from cognitive decline, it can be upsetting and you must help the dementia patients to cope with symptoms. But you also run the risk of upsetting them if you seem upset. Memory loss may affect their understanding of words, but it will not affect their understanding of your emotions or facial expression.
Make sure to have cheerful, happy & upbeat conversations. Be optimistic and speak in a soft voice that is warmed and filled with affection. Your upbeat attitude will contribute to keeping the talk fun and calming for both of you.
3. Consistently use simple words and short sentences
You don’t have to shout or communicate in an extremely simplistic way. But to transmit meaning, speak slowly, clearly, regularly, and with simple words and two-syllable words, preferably. Your loved one’s attention can be drawn by speaking at a lower pitch than normal.
If your loved one asks you to say anything more than once, don’t see it as a failure or a setback. Just say it, and if they don’t get it, go on to the next subject. Later, you might rephrase the query or sentence.
4. Keep calm If a move is required
Caregivers should play a significant role in their loved one’s transfer to a new memory care facility. You’ll need to be at ease because they’ll be looking to you for support and as a calming influence.
A clear transition plan may keep you organized and concentrated on your elderly relative’s most important requirement, which is to feel comfortable, secure, and cared for in their new environment.
5. Use proper names and nouns instead of pronouns
In order to keep the person focused and reduce confusion during conversations, avoid using too many nouns when proper names and nouns can be used instead.
For example, If you’re remembering a family vacation to Florida from years ago, avoid asking, “Remember that trip we took south?” Alternatively, try saying: Mom, do you remember when Dad, you, and I went to Florida?”
6. Always show patience
Your loved one can find it difficult to complete sentences, remember the names of people, or recollect specific details. It’s acceptable to “fill in the gaps” on occasion, but doing so too regularly could discourage them from trying to communicate and make them dependent on you to speak for them.
In most situations, it’s best to maintain eye contact and a positive expression. Give them time to use their imagination and come up with the words.
7. Keep smiling and be reassuring
In order to make your older loved one feel secure as they advance in their dementia journey, a smile and a reassuring tone can go a long way. They will also feel more loved and supported if you hold their hands and speak to them in a calming, kind voice.
Your relative appreciates your caring presence and feels it even if they are unable to express it.
It does not have to be difficult to stay in touch with someone who is losing their memory. To keep the lines of communication open and to reassure your loved one that you are always there for them, try making some small changes to how you normally interact with them.
8. If the person gets frustrated use the redirection strategy
A common strategy in elder care is redirection, which helps someone who has lost attention get it back. You can use redirection to make things better if your loved one is upset because they can’t remember something, especially if it’s getting late or they’re tired.
Put on some of their favorite music, get them to move around, or change the subject of the conversation. Or simply hug them; this simple gesture can do anyone’s frustration level.
“Lenity Management Community” is able to provide skilled, compassionate eldercare solutions when you need assistance supporting a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
With specialized care services, we’ll make sure your elderly relative is satisfied, engaged, and well-cared for, delivered by our fully experienced, trained care staff. Your loved one will be kept busy with enjoyable activities, light exercise, and casual companionship that will make every day excellent for them. we can assist with household chores, meal preparation, personal care, and other crucial services that will keep them independent and bring happiness into their home each day.
Please contact us at any time for a free, no-obligation chat if you have any inquiries regarding our specialist home and elder care services.
