Since there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, supportive caregiving plays an extraordinary role in making the quality of life for the person living with the disease a positive experience. Today we will cover the role of communication in the caregiver/person living with dementia relationship.
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias gradually diminish a person’s ability to communicate. Communicating with a person with dementia requires good listening skills and patience. Here are some strategies from the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org that can help you to connect with your loved one on a deeper level.
Don’t make assumptions about a person’s ability to communicate because of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The disease affects each person differently.
Don’t exclude the person with the disease from conversations.
Speak directly to the person rather than to his or her caregiver or companion.
Take time to listen to the person express his or her thoughts, feelings and needs.
Give the person time to respond. Don’t interrupt unless help is requested.
Ask what the person is still comfortable doing and what he or she may need help with.
Discuss which method of communication is most comfortable. This could include face-to-face conversation, email or phone calls.
It’s OK to laugh. Sometimes humor lightens the mood and makes communication easier.
Don’t pull away; your honesty, friendship and support are important to the person.