When caring for a person with Alzheimer’s, there will undoubtedly be some challenges and difficulties to overcome along the way. One of the most important of these will be in communication.  The disease erodes communication skills and the ability, or inability, to communicate with the loved one will have a domino effect in all other areas of care, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, etc...   The individual may have trouble coming up with the correct word(s), using the wrong words or “inventing” words altogether. Obviously, this is going to create confusion for both parties.  As caregiver, it will be up to you to navigate the situation as easily as  possible.  The loved one may not understand your words, but will understand the level/ tone of your voice and body language.  Showing frustration or yelling will most likely lead them to the same feelings and communication breaks down even further.
There are many tips that one can utilize when caring for someone with Alzheimer's:

• Keep it Simple – Speak clearly, using short sentences and simple words. Try to keep questions in the form of “yes” or “no” answers.
• Show Respect – DO NOT USE BABY TALK or talk about the person like they were not there, even if they aren’t responsive.
• Don’t Interrupt or Argue – It may take them time to complete a thought or sentence; don’t criticize, hurry or correct them.
• Show Interest – Maintain eye contact, smile and stay near them while they communicate.
• Minimize Distractions – Background noise and busy settings can easily confuse and/or agitate a person with Alzheimer's. Keep their surroundings as calm as possible.
• Use Visual Clues – It may be quicker to promote communication using gestures and other visual clues. For example, leading them to a bathroom and pointing at the toilet may be easier than searching for words.
• Smile – It is often said that a person with Alzheimer's may forget words, but will always know what a smile means.  By smiling, you show them that you are with them and that everything is okay.

Obviously, as the primary caregiver, you will discover what works best for you and the one you are caring for.  It is important to realize that each day may differ in levels of understanding.  Some days may be easier than others, but the truth is, the disease is degenerative, which means that the communication skills will continue to worsen. What worked one day, may not work the next or ever again. Long term memory is usually unaffected by the disease in the earlier stages.  This explains why they may remember the name of a childhood friend, but not recognize their own children. The ability to adapt and remain calm will be paramount in the level of care you will be able to provide.  As a family caregiver, you will more than likely have an understanding of the loved one, intimately as a spouse or child, or maybe even a sibling. Knowing their past will give you valuable insight to their likes and dislikes and routines.  David Troxel, MHS, uses his experience caring for his mother with Alzheimer’s as an example for utilizing “life stories” as a tool to communicate. His mother had always loved Earl Gray tea.  When she became frustrated or agitated, he would tell her he was making her a cup of Earl Gray and then do so.  He reports that this helped in almost every case.  When it came time to move her into a long term care community, he shared the tip with the staff and personally made sure that his mother always had a supply of Earl Gray tea on hand for the staff to make for her. The staff agreed that it did help greatly, allowing them more time to spend with his mother and other residents.  It is easy, even for professionals, to get caught up in the “battles” of caring for a loved one.  By alleviating those situations, more time is available for the other areas of care and even more personal time for yourself.
 

Are you caring for a loved one? Do you have any tips or suggestions for communicating with a loved one?  What has worked for you?  We encourage all comments in hope that they will be helpful to others in a similar situation. Experience is invaluable when it comes to care giving.