7 years ago Bobbe White
Hacks for improving Your Communication Efforts!
You’ll eventually know someone with Alzheimer’s disease (A.D.). Percentages are expected to increase exponentially. Watching Dad succumb has been educational, at best. At worst, “It aint’ purty.” A day doesn’t pass, when someone doesn’t mention their family is dealing with A.D. Check out these hacks for improving communication.
A dopt a smile before entering their room. (Fake or real, they won’t care.)
L et them lead the conversation, even if it’s nonsensical. If Dad mumbles, I either answer randomly or agree with him. Nobody insists it must make sense.
Z ip your mouth when you get the urge to argue. It’s not worth it. Nobody wins.
H ave your phone handy. Show photos. Play music. It possesses power for persons with various dementias. Select hits from their 18-25 adult years. Observe their reaction. Some music sparks happy memories, some triggers sad ones. Note bobbing head and tapping feet. With Dad, it’s not a tremor. It’s his mojo!
E ngage in conversation around someone with A.D. Even the sound of your voice can be soothing.
I nvest in a baby doll. Watch someone with A.D. cradle, rock and love it. It’s soothing. I believe there’s an innate sense to feel needed. Even better, bring a real baby or puppy!
M ake eye contact. (Not with the puppy…the person!)
E ncourage staff to share funny situations you may have missed. “Laughter is like a dry diaper. It doesn’t take care of the problem, but it makes it bearable for a while.” Michael Pritchard.
R esolve to sloooooooow your pace. Especially if feeding them! They can’t go from 0 to 110 anymore.
S o, they don’t know you. It stinks. It’s the disease. Dad thinks I’m a waitress. He calls me, “Babe.” (He knows me!) Then I realize he calls everybody, “Babe”. (Sigh...)
