Alzheimer’s Communication: Tips for Seniors, Families and Caregivers

Seniors and Alzheimers  |  September 23, 2024

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Alzheimer’s Communication Tips

Alzheimer’s Communication Tips | The most debilitative and indicative symptom of Alzheimer’s is the gradual loss of words. Understanding this is crucial to basic communication that most of us take for granted.

Alzheimer’s patients realize there is a problem, even though they may not have the capacity to understand what is happening. This can cause instances of confusion, fright, and frustration for the sufferer of Alzheimer’s disease as well as for loved ones and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s.

To help those dealing with seniors who are suffering from Alzheimer’s, the Alzheimer’s Association™ suggests the following tips to achieve better communication despite the disease.

Alzheimer’s Communication Tips for Seniors

Tip #1 – Changes in Communication and Behaviour

It is important to learn to recognize the changes in communication and behaviour in those with Alzheimer’s. Secondly, learn how to assist in communication, and then to identify and adapt to efficient ways of communication unique to the individual Alzheimer’s sufferer.

Tip #2 – Be Patient and Supportive

Know that is important to be not only patient but also supportive when trying to communicate. Take the time to listen with no interruptions or criticisms. Offer reassurance that they can take their time to try to form their thoughts into proper words and try not to correct any misused words.

Tip #3 – Focus on Emotion, Nuances and Voice Tone

Many times there is meaning behind those words and if you take the time you may discover what that is. Focus on the emotion that may lie within the words. Nuances in voice tone as well as hand gestures or facial expressions can be critical for you to observe and analyze to determine the meaning behind the words being spoken.

Tip #4 – Remain Calm and Practice Patience

At times you may become angry or frustrated yourself but understand that criticizing or arguing only serves to increase levels of discomfort and agitation for those with Alzheimer’s. Instead, practice patience and offer occasional suggestions for words they are trying to speak. When appropriate, retreat to a quiet place to communicate.

Tip #5 – Over Stimulation

Noise and crowds may intimidate the Alzheimer’s patient, resulting in increased frustration and anxiety as well as decreased verbalization. Sometimes, all the person needs is a bit of quiet to organize their thoughts and correctly verbalize them.

Tip #6 – Be Prepared for Repetition

In the late stages of Alzheimer’s, there are other measures you can take to improve communication efforts. Let the person know who you are to create a sense of familiarity. Use simple words and sentences and speak slowly in a lowered tone of voice.

Be prepared to repeat your questions or information you are imparting, and also be prepared for Alzheimer’s sufferers to repeat themselves. Be respectful, calm, and caring in your actions and tone of voice. Using signals or written words to communicate or as reminders can be extremely helpful.

Tip #7 – Remain Positive

Above all, remain positive even in the face of adversity. Alzheimer’s disease is extremely trying for the patient and the caregiver, family member, or friend who is dealing with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Remember, the challenges are neither your fault nor theirs. Patience, understanding, and compassion on your part can mean the difference between failure and success in effective communication.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with Alzheimer’s Communication Tips and In-Home Elder Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers®’ are trained caregivers who help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Alzheimer’s Communication and Home Care Edmonton

To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Alzheimer’s Communication: Is Invoicing Modelling and Client Direct Home Care the Right Option for You?

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Recently awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada, our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

References

Alzheimer’s Association. Communication and Alzheimer’s. Retrieved on November 8, 2010

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