Communication Techniques for Individuals with Alzheimer’s

Communication is vital. Without it, misunderstandings arise, and relationships break down. Keeping the lines of communication open is challenging even in the best of times. What happens when your senior loved one has Alzheimer's disease, and you realize that you can no longer ‘talk' the way you used to? How will you know their needs? How will you detect changes in their disease? You can understand what your mom's needs are when you understand how communication changes in each stage, practice patience, and hire a professionally trained caregiver.

Suggestions for Communicating during Each Stage of Alzheimer's

Because Alzheimer's affects an individual's ability to think clearly and communicate, it is critical to understand what to expect within each stage and how to respond. Here are tips for communicating in each of the three stages of the disease:

1. Early Stage (Mild): The early stage is referred to as mild. Your senior should still be able to engage with you in conversation, but they may struggle to find words. They may repeat stories, too. It benefits both of you when you:
1. Keep Mom and Dad involved in conversations.
2. Speak directly to them, not to a companion or caregiver.
3. Give them time to process their thoughts and respond.
4. Assume nothing about their ability to communicate. The disease uniquely affects each person.
5. Ask Dad if he needs help with something, but let him do what he can on his own.
2. Middle Stage (Moderate): This stage is the longest of the three, lasting many years. You will find that Mom needs more direct, hands-on care than before, and she will struggle more and more with communicating. You will notice that facial expressions start helping more. It's helpful to remember to:
1. Reduce distractions and have one-on-one conversations.
2. Slow down your speech pattern. Enunciate words clearly.
3. Look them in the eyes. It lets your senior know you care.
4. Be patient as they respond. You may need to offer reassurance as they try to gather their thoughts and talk with you.
5. Ask one question at a time without bombarding them. It can get confusing for them.
6. When offering choices, ask yes or no questions or limit choices to two.
7. Now is not the time to argue. Keep conversations simple and stress-free.
8. Keep directions for tasks simple and step-by-step to keep Mom from feeling overwhelmed.
9. You might want to write some notes to Dad on paper. It can be very helpful.
3. Late Stage (Severe): During this stage, your parent will rely on nonverbal communication. Generally, they will require care 24/7 for several weeks or years. Communicating will look much different than the first two stages and may include:
1. Ensuring you approach Dad from the front and identify yourself.
2. Encouraging Mom to point at things when you cannot understand what she is trying to say.
3. Focus on the emotions emanating behind the words and sounds. They will expose more than what is actually being said.
4. Remember to treat your senior with dignity and respect and avoid condescending talk.
5. Sometimes, more is said when no words are spoken. Your presence can be very reassuring, even if there is silence between the two of you.

Provide the Best Care for Your Senior from Home Instead

Encourage communication through all stages of Alzheimer's. The team from Home Instead Etobicoke / North York supports families and their seniors through the challenging stages of this devastating disease. They learn your loved one's likes and dislikes, even if no words are spoken. We will customize our Alzheime'rs care services to ensure your mom or dad has what they need daily. Let's discuss more when you contact us today.

Call us at (416) 239-2200 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver, every day, to families in All Etobicoke including: Kingsway, Mimico, Long Branch, Islington, Richview, The Community of Humber Heights, Rexdale, Markland Woods North York West including: Willowdale, Rexdale, Downsview, Humberwood, Weston, York University Heights, Humber Summit and areas in between..

You may also be interested in advice for Alzheimer's care at home.