Were you aware that there are millions of people who have Alzheimer’s disease? One of the things that you should know about this disease is that it affects the communication skills of the person who has the disease. Family caregivers often struggle to communicate with their elderly loved one when they have Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are some ways that you and elderly care providers can help to better communicate with your elderly loved one.

Non-Verbal Communication

One of the things that can help when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and communication issues is non-verbal communication. Your elderly loved one will have a tough time communicating through words. However, if you pay attention to their hand gestures and facial cues that will help you to figure out what they are trying to say and what they are feeling.

Overcome Repetitions

People who have Alzheimer’s disease often repeat themselves over and over again. You and elderly care providers may notice that your loved one is repeating stories or phrases over and over. This is something that you will need to learn to have patience with. However, one of the things you can do is to get your elderly loved one moving. Sometimes, using distraction techniques, such as getting them to brush their hair, can get them to stop repeating themselves.

Don’t Try to Get Them Into the Present

With Alzheimer’s disease, there is a great chance that your elderly loved one will be stuck in the past a lot of the time. Many family caregivers want to get their elderly loved one back into the present. However, if you keep trying to get your elderly loved one into the present, you are likely to make them upset. This can make things worse for their communication and worse for their connection to you.

Talk About the Past

If your elderly loved one tries to bring up the past, let them do this. There might be memories that they feel happy to talk about. It can be tough for someone with Alzheimer’s disease to feel happy. If there is a past memory they want to talk about, be there for them.

Conclusion

These are some of the things that you should know in regard to making communication easier for you and your elderly loved one if they have Alzheimer’s disease. Now that you have these communication tips, you can have fewer communication issues with your elderly loved one. There may still be times where you are overwhelmed and need elderly care providers to help, but at least these tips can make things better most of the time.

Sources
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijad/2010/906818/

If you are considering home care in Marcellus, MI, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at Fresh Perspective Home Care at (269) 329-4717. We are here to help!

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Shelly Nutter

Area Vice President at Fresh Perspective Home Care

Shelly Nutter has been a driving force in the Fresh Perspective Home Care team since 2008 and is currently the Area Vice President. She began caring for others at a young age and has never looked back. Her strong faith and family values drives her passion for helping others. Shelly says she never found a career that fulfilled a "bigger purpose" her previous jobs until begin her home care career with Fresh Perspective Home Care. "Here I found growth, purpose, and a career to match my personal ambition of making a difference in the lives of others." Shelly is native to the Kalamazoo/Portage, Mi area and has been married for over 25 years Together they have three children that she believes have benefited from watching Mom work hard to help others, advocate for others, and give to others. She also holds a bachelors degree in Accounting and an associates degree in Business Management.

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