Alzheimer’s disease significantly impacts an individual’s ability to communicate. Because of this reality, caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients must also learn to communicate in new ways to engage in meaningful conversations and interact with their loved ones. Alzheimer’s and dementia patients struggle to coherently express their thoughts and emotions, resulting in anxiety, confusion, and even anger. If your loved one has dementia and reacts in frustration, don’t take it personally – they are simply dealing with challenging emotions.
As a caregiver – or someone who loves a dementia patient – it is up to you to remind the patient that they are loved and that you have not abandoned them. You can de-escalate a challenging moment with a smile and a hug.
Stay Positive
When Alzheimer’s patients feel disoriented and confused after being moved to a new living situation, they often fixate on returning home. Instead of repeatedly reminding them that they no longer live in their home, try to recognize and honor the emotion they are experiencing. Ask them questions about their home – ask them where it is, who lives with them, and what special memories they have about the house. When they are asked to share about their life, it soothes and comforts them, easing anxiety and often diffusing their confusion. Sharing your own stories and memories will validate their connection to the home and their previous phase of life. While they are relating their favorite memories to you, be aware of cues that may help you to make them more comfortable in their new living space. For instance, you can decorate their room with heirlooms or photos they would recognize. Set up a playlist with familiar music they used to listen to – or make sure their favorite blanket is prominently displayed to trigger familiarity.
Activities & Conversations with Alzheimer’s Patients
Identifying activities that your senior would consider fun can provide a springboard to spark engaging conversations. Cooking a meal together, playing a simple board game, or working with arts and crafts can offer an ideal environment to help them focus on the conversation at hand. In Florida, you can take a walk outside nearly year-round. Being outside provides a perfect opportunity to converse about your surroundings and any animals, trees, or flowers you may encounter.
Repetition is Normal
Alzheimer’s patients often repeat themselves and are prone to asking the same question over and over. The caregiver must understand that this is normal and that they are not being purposefully distracted or annoying. Be patient, and answer their question as many times as necessary. Getting frustrated and pointing out that they are repeating themselves is likely to make them feel embarrassed, confused, or angry at themselves (or at you). All of these motions can completely shut a conversation down. While it is difficult, try to temper your own frustration and answer questions to guide the conversation away from the consistent question. When you employ segues to direct their train of thought, meaningful discussions can occur. If your senior is unwilling to engage in conversation, pose simple questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no” responses. Eventually, they should begin to open up.
Expert Tip: The more often Alzheimer’s patients are reminded of details from their life, the easier it will be for them to communicate without feeling shame or guilt. Instead of asking them to remember someone’s name, provide the name to them in your question. “I remember your husband Mark used to love to dance. Do you remember dancing with Mark?”
While conversations with Alzheimer’s patients necessarily change, you can still have meaningful moments of communication. By practicing some new strategies, you can establish new methods of relating to the people you love. And remember – if you do lose your patience, go easy on yourself. These situations are challenging and heartbreaking for everyone involved. Remind yourself that you are spending quality time with your loved ones, which provides them with the needed confidence and emotional support they are craving as they navigate dementia. Pull yourself together, take a deep breath, and continue.
If you are in search of a senior residence specializing in memory care, we invite you to call A Banyan Residence in The Villages. We look forward to speaking with you and exploring your options at our facility.
