Communication Tips

Although people with Alzheimer’s disease gradually lose the ability to use words to express and understand ideas, they do retain the ability to communicate emotionally.  They can comprehend the meaning of a hug, a handshake, and a loving or disapproving glance.

Often a person with dementia will pay more attention to the nonverbal communication than the words used. 

• Evaluate hearing and vision if possible.  Assess the person’s hearing and vision.  If hearing or vision aids are available, be sure they are in working order and are used.
• If the person can’t find the right word, you can:
  • Encourage the individual to act out the meaning:  Demonstrate “want to eat” with an eating motion
  • Encourage the person to “talk around” what he/she is trying to say, gradually “zeroing in” on the meaning.
  • Say what you think he/she is trying to communicate, sort of like playing “20 questions.”  Remember that people with Alzheimer’s tend to recognize words that they hear or see even when they no longer can recall words.
  • Be cautious about correcting wrong words, such as when sugar is referred to as salt.  The purpose of correcting a mistake is to health other person learns the correct way to do or say something.  A person with Alzheimer’s disease may be unable to learn and remember the information you are giving.  Consequently your corrections may only serve to frustrate the person.

For more information contact 317-218-5111 or www.behomelivelife.com.