Does your elderly loved one have Alzheimer’s disease? If so, it is important to know that their cognitive decline is going to cause problems with their communication. There are numerous reasons for this. Your loved one’s disease is going to cause issues with their speech, memory, and brain functions – all of which will affect their communication. Your loved one might not be able to find the words to say what they need to. They might not be able to remember what certain words mean. Your loved one might have attention issues and become easily frustrated when trying to communicate. With this being said, there are some tips that can help to improve the communication between you and your elderly loved one.Better

Speak Slowly and Clearly

Whenever you, elderly care providers, or anyone else talks to your elderly loved one, they should speak slowly and clearly. People who have Alzheimer’s disease can become easily overwhelmed if they are getting a lot of information at once. If you speak slowly and clearly, they can better understand what you are saying and will be less likely to feel overwhelmed.

Proper Tone of Voice

If your elderly loved one is talking with you, it is important that you pay attention to your tone of voice. If you are talking loudly or in an angry voice, this is more likely to agitate and upset your elderly loved one. If you are talking in a calm, friendly, and caring voice, your elderly loved one is likely to feel more at ease.

Keeping the Conversation Simple

It is important that you don’t talk to your elderly loved one about many things at once. This could overwhelm them and cause a lot of negative behaviors. You should the conversations with your elderly loved one simple. You can do this by asking them questions that can be answered with only a yes or a no. You can also talk about one thing per conversation. If you have additional things that need to be talked about, give them a break in between conversations.

Don’t Jump to Any Conclusions

Your elderly loved one might be having a tough time telling you what they are thinking. However, you shouldn’t finish their sentences for them. Don’t let your impatience take over. Allow your elderly loved one to talk and give them the time they need to do so. Listen completely to what they are telling you.

Pay Attention to Non-Visual Cues

It can be helpful if you pay attention to your elderly loved one’s facial expressions and body language when they are talking. This can help you to figure out how your elderly loved one is feeling.

These are some of the tips for better communication with your elderly loved one. If you can use these tips during the conversations with your loved one, the conversations can be more productive and you can determine what your elderly loved one is needing or wanting.

Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/doctor-patient-communication/talking-with-your-older-patient

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Sterling, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 782-3655.