COMMUNICATING WITH A PERSON WHO HAS ALZHEIMER’S OR ANOTHER DEMENTIA
How you communicate can make a big difference, especially to someone with damage to the communication centres of their brain. Incorporating some of the following communication tips is a great way to provide positive support.
In the early stages…
- Be patient
- Give the person time to express themselves
- Don’t interrupt
- Be supportive
- Don’t talk about the person as if they are not there
- Don’t be condescending
- Don’t be patronizing
- Avoid asking questions that rely on their memory
- Try communicating simple reminders like sticky notes
- Limit distractions as much as possible
- Find a quiet place to talk to minimize distractions
- Avoid criticizing, correcting or arguing
- Look beyond words, watch body language to understand what the person is experiencing and/or expressing
In later stages, as communication becomes more difficult…
- Approach the person calmly from the front
- Make eye contact
- Identify yourself clearly
- Avoid sudden movements, which may frighten them
- Call the person by name
- Use short, simple sentences
- Ask one question at a time and wait for a response
- Ask simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions (Instead of ‘What would you like to wear?’ say ‘Would you like to wear this?’)
- Avoid vague references ie ‘Put it over there’. Try saying ‘Put it on the table’
- If repeating yourself, use exactly the same words but speak more slowly. If you are still not understood, rephrase using shorter, simpler sentences
- Give visual clues by pointing to the object you are talking about
- Ask the person to point or gesture if they cannot find the right words or expression
- Pay attention to your body language and facial expressions as your loved one may pick up on stress or anxiety, which may impact the mood they are in
Practice makes perfect; using the above techniques will take time and practice so be patient with yourself.
Reviewing these techniques often will help along the journey to ensure supportive communication.
Where to find community support?
- www.alzheimer.ca
- Your local library
- Your family doctor
- Your pharmacist
- Senior health fairs
- The Internet
- Your local health authority or community access centre:
Health Canada General Inquiry
1-866-225-0709
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/delivery-prestation/ptrole/index-eng.php#a1
