Providing Alzheimer's care to a loved one can be emotionally and physically challenging. Even something as seemingly simple as communication can be difficult if your family member experiences cognitive or emotional issues. How you approach your conversations together can make a big difference in this case, as illustrated by the following tips.

Do:

Find a quiet place to talk.

People with Alzheimer’s or dementia become confused when surrounded by too many stimuli. When having a conversation, choose a quiet room, without TVs or radios playing in the background. Also, try to approach your relative one-on-one, as too many voices can impact comprehension.

Speak slowly and clearly.

Sentences should be brief and to the point, so your loved one understands what you’re trying to convey. When speaking, use a slow and even tone of voice, and allow time after a statement for your family member to process what you said. If you’re asking questions, focus on one topic at a time to prevent confusion.  

Don’t:

Forget non-verbal cues and facial expressions.

People with Alzheimer's rely on non-verbal cues to communicate when their language skills break down. Being in tune with your loved one’s gestures and facial expressions will help you determine their needs and provide Alzheimer's care accordingly. You should also take steps to manage your own body language so you can communicate more clearly. For instance, establish eye contact and keep an open posture. This tells the person that you’re interested in what they have to say and that you’re engaged in the conversation. 

Lose patience or use infantilizing language.

Seeing your loved one struggle to convey their thoughts can be both sad and frustrating. However, if you feel yourself losing patience, take a moment to regroup before responding. Losing your temper will only increase stress for both of you. Also, try not to treat the person as a child or insinuate as much through your language.

Following these tips will help you foster a strong and loving relationship with your friend or family member. For more assistance providing adequate Alzheimer's care, turn to the compassionate team at Total Life Care in Sanford, NC. They offer in-home help with grooming and dressing, transportation, shopping, and light housekeeping. Most importantly, they provide companionship to your loved one, giving them something to look forward to. Visit their website to learn more about their Alzheimer’s care services, or call (919) 776-0352 to speak to a member of the staff today.