Communication Tips: Living Well With Alzheimer's Disease & Eldercare

Because Alzheimer’s gradually diminishes a person’s ability to communicate, it is important to help people with dementia express their thoughts and emotions, as well as help them understand others. Here are some tips to help in communication and understanding:

• Create a ‘kind voice,’ talking slower, lower and clearly, smiling in the process.
• To orient the person and obtain his or her attention, call the person by name, identify yourself, and be sure to approach from the front so there are no surprises.
• Ask one question at a time, using short simple words and sentences.
• Avoid using logic and reason, as well as quizzing.
• Avoid criticizing, correcting or arguing, and do not take any negative communication personally.
• Let the person know you are listening and trying to understand what is being said by maintaining eye contact, being careful not to interrupt.
• Patiently wait for a response as extra time may be required to process your request; repeat information and questions.
• If there is no response, wait a moment before asking again.
• Focus on the feelings, not the facts, as sometimes the emotions being expressed are more important than what is being said.
• Let the person think about and describe whatever he or she wants.

If you fear someone you love may be showing signs of dementia or early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, American Companion Care recommends a memory screening. Though a memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional, it is a good first step towards diagnosis and treatment.

For more information about memory screenings in the local community or dementia and depression in older adults, please contact American Companion Care for a free assessment. 

Click Here to recieve a free Mini Mental State Examination.  The test can usually be administeredin 5-10 minutes.