Marc Levine from San Diego provides tips regarding communicating with people with Alzheimer's disease.
Online, January 15, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Marc Levine from San Diego, California knows how to communicate with people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mr. Levine has been caring for his mother and during this time, learned how to effectively communicate with her while being a loving and compassionate caregiver.
Have you tried to communicate with someone with Alzheimer's disease (AD)? If so, you know how difficult it can be. Learn as much about the disease as possible. The symptoms change as the disease progresses. Adapt to your loved one's level of function and symptomatic behaviors. Their understanding of what you say and ability to make you understand their world can be challenging. Therefore, be sensitive to how you present yourself and give information when talking to them.
Below are a few tips to help you communicate better with people with AD:
• Patiently listen and understand that they often repeat themselves;
• Make sure that the area is well lit;
• Approach them from the front, identify yourself and call them by their name;
• Maintain eye contact;
• Speak slowly, calmly, and never raise your voice;
• Keep it simple and give one step directions.
• Avoid loud places;
• Touch is important, therefore stroke their hands and shoulders;
• Facial expressions, body language, and voice tone are important;
• Interact within his/her own frame of reference, even if it has little to do with reality;
• Don't correct the person's reality, instead ask questions and stay engaged;
• Creatively redirect the conversation without contradicting or denying their statements;
• Use words and visuals (photographs) to recall old memories;
• Avoid correcting them, even if you don't understand what they are saying;
• Rephrase your question instead of repeating it;
• Non-verbal communication is also very important (stay present and attentive to the person with AD);
• Always treat them with dignity and respect;
• Don't speak down to them or treat them as a child;
• Always remain calm and relaxed.
Mr. Levine from San Diego, California wants to help and therefore welcomes your questions and comments. Mr. Levine can be contacted at marclevine5@gmail.com or on his blog, Surviving Alzheimer's disease (http://survingalzheimers.blogspot.com/