Impaired reasoning and communication are some of the biggest struggles that individuals face when they have Alzheimer’s disease. However, despite this progressive decline, people with these conditions still experience emotions and thoughts that caregivers should stay aware of. If you’re providing Alzheimer’s care, following these tips can help simplify the conversations you share.

5 Communication Tips for Alzheimer’s Care

1. Don’t Exclude

Whether due to general confusion or the inability to find the right words, individuals with Alzheimer’s can often become silent in a conversational setting. However, this silence doesn’t mean they want to be left out of a discussion. As such, it’s important to make an effort to include your loved one while speaking with others—such as by making eye contact, using gentle gestures, and saying their name.

2. Be Clear & Direct  

In many cases, a person with Alzheimer’s can still hold a conversation, but it might take their brain a little longer to process certain words and phrases. To accommodate for this delay, it helps to speak slowly, talk away from background noise, enunciate clearly, and make direct eye contact. To avoid rushing the conversation, give your loved one more time to listen and process what you’ve said.

3. Be Natural

While clarity is important, it doesn’t mean you have to censor your own emotions as a caregiver. Expressing your feelings, laughing, and having heart-to-heart conversations are all ways to maintain a human connection between you and your loved one. Taking a personable and compassionate approach to communication can also help your loved one feel more at ease.  

4. Re-Explain as Necessary

In the later stages of the Alzheimer’s disease, a person can forget details that might seem obvious to you—such as who you are. If you recognize this confusion, patiently take time to re-introduce your name and explain why you are there.

5. Assess Factors Behind Behavioral Changes

If your loved one is displaying unusual behaviors—such as depression or aggression—the National Institute on Aging recommends seeing if the mood change is due to an issue they can’t communicate. For example, they might be hungry, thirsty, tired, or stressed. Addressing these problems right away will often improve the mood and make communication easier.

As the disease progresses, you might find your loved one could benefit from consistent, round-the-clock Alzheimer’s care. That’s why Provident Village at Creekside is proud to offer comprehensive dementia and Alzheimer’s care services in Smyrna, GA. Backed by top-of-the-line amenities, this highly trained staff can address memory care needs in a personalized, gentle, and compassionate manner. To learn more about their resources and how they strive to improve the quality of life for all of their residents, visit this retirement community online. For a tour, call (678) 903-0339 to speak with a friendly team member.