Alzheimer’s Care Group

Approach and Communication

            As Alzheimer’s disease progresses it can impact the way a person may communicate.  Communication is vital in the care giving process.  It is the way we express our ideas, feelings, and wants.  In order to maintain a quality life, this basic need must be met.   

            An individual with Alzheimer’s may have trouble finding the right words, may misunderstand statements that are made, may repeat the same words or statements, or may revert to speaking a native tongue.  As the disease progress, caregivers may also see the person relying more on gestures than words.  For example, it may be easier to point to an object such as a cup of water, than to ask for a drink.  She may pat the sides of her waist to indicate she needs to go to the bathroom.  Some people may have trouble speaking in coherent statements where the phrases sound more like “word salad.”  Word salad is an incomprehensible mixture of incoherent words or phrases.    Caregivers must rely on gestures and other forms of nonverbal communication in order to understand what the person is trying to communicate.

            Despite the fact that communication may become more challenging as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, sensitive ongoing communication is important.  Although the person with Alzheimer’s may not respond to each statement, she still benefits from continued communication.

Tips to enhance communication:

·         Identify yourself by name and what you are going to do for/with the person. Even if you have known the person for years, it is still important to identify yourself and the task.

·         Call the person by his/her familiar name.

·         Use short, simple, one step instructions

·         Give the person plenty of time to respond to questions and statements

·         Limit available choices to two (2) for the person to decide from ( i.e. the blue dress or the red dress, a brownie or ice cream)

·         Don’t ask questions that rely on memory (remember when you ate eggs for breakfast last week?).

·         Speak in a strong clear voice; don’t yell unless the person has a hearing impairment.

·         Don’t talk down or childlike.

·         Turn negatives into positives. Say “Let’s go here” instead of “Don’t go in there.”

·         Turn questions into statement.  Say “Let’s go eat” instead of “Are you ready for lunch?”

·         Be aware of your tone of voice.  Convey an easy going attitude.

·         Approach from the front and never from behind.

·         Use positive, friendly facial expressions.

·         Be aware of your stance – avoid standing with hands on the hip or crossed arms.

·         Focus on feelings not on facts.

·         Validate feelings and help put those feelings into words.

·         Be patient, flexible and understanding.

            Good communication will bolster self worth, validate feelings, stimulate memories, and calm and reassure.