Communication is an important part of every relationship in life and at any stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Long after word processing has been affected by the disease progression and they are no longer able to communicate with words, people with dementia can still benefit from positive body language, loving gestures, and soothing touch.
Communication in Early Stage Alzheimer’s or other Dementia
- Be sensitive.
- Treat the individual as an adult – with dignity and respect.
- Do not downplay the disease if they bring it up.
- If the person denies your explanation, accept his or her reaction and avoid further details at that moment.
- Consider disclosing the diagnosis in the presence of other family members, a social worker or another professional.
- Prepare simple answers to the person’s questions.
- Offer reassurance and express your desire to provide ongoing support.
- Allow the person to express his or her feelings. Avoid telling them they shouldn’t feel that way.
- Encourage the individual to speak to a healthcare professional about concerns.
- When the time is right, provide follow-up information, such as an explanation of symptoms.
Communication in Middle Stage Alzheimer’s or Dementia
- Be aware of non-verbal communication as language abilities change. Use gestures when needed.
- Continue to treat the individual with dignity and respect.
- Allow a longer time for the person to process what has been said and to respond.
- Do not reason or argue. Validate the emotions behind what the person has said.
- As a result of the inability to process verbal information, the individual with dementia may feel confused, anxious, irritable, or depressed. It is important to involve them in discussions allowing them the feeling of choice and input, even if you will make the final decision.
Communication in Late Stage Alzheimer’s or Dementia
- Use favorite music from the era of the person with dementia.
- Read or sing to them.
- Reminisce. Surprisingly, old memories sometimes remain even after recent memories fade.
- Touch continues to be important. A loving voice and gentle touch are often soothing.
- Smile.
- Avoid loud noises and fast movement.
- Recognize that behavioral expressions may be a form of communication.
Click here for a video with more Communication Tips from the Alzheimer's Tennessee Caregiver Academy
Tips for making interactions the best they can be
Speak in a calm and reassuring tone. - Talk slowly and clearly using simple words.
- Speak directly to the person, not to someone else, as if they are not there.
- Approach the individual slowly and from the front to avoid startling them.
- Address the person by name.
- Maintain eye contact while speaking.
- Use positive reinforcements, such as soft smiles and a gentle touch, if appropriate.
- Allow an adequate period for a response when engaging in conversation.
- Ask only one question at a time.
- Eliminate distractions such as television or other background noise.
- Avoid negative-sounding statements. Instead of “Don’t go outside,” say, “Let’s stay inside.”
- Use humor whenever possible, though not at the individual’s expense.
- Use non-verbal motions to get your point across, such as demonstrating hand washing.
Tips for professional caregivers
Always identify yourself and that you are there to help- Call the person by name and smile, be warm and supportive
- Use short, simple words and sentences
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Give one step at a time directions
- Only ask one question at a time
- As the disease progresses, move from open to close ended questions
- Be patient when waiting for a response. Impatience can increase resistance
- Repeat information or questions as needed
- Avoid slang or confusing expressions- be crystal clear in directions
- Explain what you are doing as you do it for clarity
- Redirect in a positive way - Instead of “Don’t go out,” try “Come here and look at this with me”
- Give visual clues- point, begin showing someone how to do the task
- Give very simple explanations to questions
- Always treat the person with dignity and respect- do not speak to them like a small child. (Put yourself in the person’s shoes)
- Remain calm, and positive in your tone of voice
- Monitor yourself for negative body language (sighing, rolling your eyes, etc)
- Be sure to notice and reinforce when someone does a task well. Remember this illness causes self-esteem to drop and persons with dementia need as much positive encouragement as they can get!
- Keep a sense of humor- try to get to know the person as an individual and find things about them to appreciate.
Click here to download a printable brochure with more Communication Techniques.
