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Learning how to
communicate with loved ones who have Alzheimer's Disease is often a
difficult task for families. It can be heartbreaking and confusing to
witness a loved one exhibit behavior that is far from their usual
temperament. In order to sustain relationships and enhance coping
abilities, family members and caregivers must learn how to communicate
with their loved ones in ways that can enhance the quality of life for
the individual.
Techniques for Communication
Learning how to
successfully communicate with your loved one can help to keep undesired
behaviors like agitation and wandering to a minimum as well as improve
their quality of life. There are a few basic techniques caregivers and
family members should keep in mind when communicating with their loved
one.
First, approaching a person from the front can be helpful
in reducing the potential of surprise. The element of surprise can be
fear-producing and disorienting for someone with Alzheimer's. Second,
face the person as you talk with them, and avoid spending time in a
setting with a lot of sensory stimulation. Too much surrounding noise or
movement can be confusing and affect your loved one's ability to
communicate. Third, if a situation looks like it might get out of hand,
distraction can be helpful to diffuse the situation. For example,
introducing another activity such as a walk or drive can help to
redirect their attention. Lastly, speaking slowly in a low-pitch and
remembering to ask only one question at a time can help your loved one
understand and minimize confusion. The above are a few basic keys to
communicating with someone who has Alzheimer's. More information
regarding communication can be found at ElderCare Online (www.ec-online.net).
Helpful Interventions
Sometimes
prescription medications are appropriate for those with Alzheimer's to
alleviate psychotic symptoms or enhance memory and cognitive functions.
However, there are other interventions that caregivers and family
members can take in order enhance their relationships and quality of
life for the individual.
Family members can help to preserve
their loved one's skills and strengths by identifying areas of
satisfaction and pleasure. Enabling your loved one to participate in
activities which they have enjoyed their whole life can help to reduce
agitation, improve their ability to cope with the disease, and increase
their sense of dignity. For example, if your loved one used to enjoy
painting or gardening, set time aside to participate in these activities
in a way that is safe and manageable. Activities that are as simple as
being around pets, going for walks, and listening to music can help to
positively structure time and enhance quality of life.
Lastly,
watching video biographies are a great way to spend time with your loved
one. Video biographies are old photographs that are videotaped and
narrated by family members. These videos can often help to reduce
agitation during a visit and possibly help to spark the memory of the
person suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. There is a lot of room for
creativity in constructing video biographies as well as the opportunity
to include multiple generations of family members in the process.
About the Author
William G. Hammond, JD is a nationally
known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer’s Resource Center.
He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed
innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering
from Alzheimer’s. For more information you can visit his website at www.BeatAlzheimers.com
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