Caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s is a rewarding experience. However, Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t only affect memory—it can also pose unique challenges that make communicating more difficult. When a loved one is diagnosed with a condition like Alzheimer’s, professional care becomes key. So how can you talk with a parent with Alzheimer’s?
Approaching a conversation with patience is key. Try to use simple, clear language, and make sure to think about where your parent is coming from. Active listening and a comfortable environment can make a significant difference! With these tips, you can continue strengthening your bond with your parent—regardless of where they are on their journey.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It accounts for more than 70% of all diagnosed cases. This progressive neurological disorder primarily impacts memory, thinking, and behavior. It typically develops past the age of 65, though symptoms can develop earlier in some situations.
In the earlier stages, it’s easy to mistake Alzheimer’s disease for age-related cognitive decline. It often begins with mild memory loss and confusion but worsens over the years. Eventually, a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will require professional care to maintain their quality of life.
The Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, memory loss becomes worse. This condition also causes:
- Confusion or disorientation about time and place
- Decreased judgment and decision-making skills
- Changes in personality and behavior
- Struggling with familiar tasks and routines
- Withdrawal from social activities
Alzheimer’s disease is extremely complex, and an early diagnosis makes a significant difference. If you recognize any of these signs in a loved one, it’s time to seek professional support.
Tips for Talking to Someone with Alzheimer’s
Eventually, Alzheimer’s damages the parts of the brain responsible for communication. A person with this condition may start to forget words or misinterpret body language. It may become more difficult to remember their place in a conversation or understand a complicated topic.
This eventually makes communication more difficult than it once was. Fortunately, by changing your approach, you can continue talking with a parent with Alzheimer’s disease. So how do you do this?
Create a Comfortable Environment
Creating a comfortable environment is your first step. Being prepared is key to reducing the chance of your parent getting distracted. Start by removing anything that could take attention away from the conversation. It helps to:
- Turn off the television or stereo
- Put your phone on silent
- Choose a familiar setting
It should feel like a safe space where your loved one can open up to you. This atmosphere can help them feel more at ease and set the tone for the conversation.
Be Patient & Calm
Patience plays a crucial role in conversations. Use a calm, soothing tone, and allow extra time for your loved one to respond.
During the conversation, try not to interrupt your loved one. Give them space to find the right words or finish a thought. If you start cutting them off and finishing sentences for them, it comes across as dismissive and can lead to frustration.
It’s important to remember that your loved one is likely just as frustrated as you are. So make sure to stay patient and calm while giving them the space they need. By letting them be themselves, you’re strengthening your bond and their trust in you.
Use Simple, Clear Language
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the ability to understand complex language worsens. So when you’re speaking to your parent, try to:
- Keep your language and word choices simple
- Avoid slang or anything overly technical
- Speak slowly and give time to process your words
- Repeat key points if they seem to struggle
Also, try not to overwhelm your loved one with too much information at once. Break down the conversation into smaller chunks and give them time to process each part before moving on. It takes some time to do this effectively, but it makes a significant difference.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening is an essential skill, and it plays an important role when Alzheimer’s is involved. This is about more than understanding the words your loved one says—it’s about focusing on what they’re saying and how they’re saying it.
It can help to maintain eye contact, nod occasionally to show you’re listening, and use body language that shows your engagement. Be sure to give them time to finish their thoughts and respond thoughtfully.
This shows your loved one that you’re listening and that you value their thoughts. It’s a simple yet effective way to strengthen your bond.
Working Together to Help Your Loved One
Alzheimer’s disease is extremely complex. However, with these strategies, you can continue communicating in a way that makes a difference. And our team at The Grande at South Portland is here to help.
In our Lilac Trace Memory Care lifestyle, we focus on giving your loved one a space they can thrive. With plenty of on-site amenities, therapy programs, professional care, and more, we take pride in making a difference. To learn more about how we can help your parent, contact our team today to schedule a visit! Together, we can help.
