Friday, March 25, 2011

Communicating with a Person with Alzheimer's Disease

Communicating with a Person with Alzheimer's Disease

Trying to communicate with a person who has Alzheimer's disease can be a challenge. Both understanding and being understood may be difficult.

  • Choose simple words and short sentences and use a gentle, calm tone of voice.
  • Avoid talking to the person with Alzheimer's like a baby or talking about the person as if he or she weren't there.
  • Minimize distractions and noise—such as the television or radio—to help the person focus on what you are saying.
  • Make eye contact and call the person by name, making sure you have his or her attention before speaking.
  • Allow enough time for a response. Be careful not to interrupt.
  • If the person with Alzheimer's is struggling to find a word or communicate a thought, gently try to provide the word he or she is looking for.
  • Try to frame questions and instructions in a positive way.
  • Be open to the person's concerns, even if he or she is hard to understand.

Source : www.medicinenet.com

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