How to effectively communicate with people living with Alzheimer’s

September is World Alzheimer’s Month.

The aim of the month is to raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia. As a number of people in our care live with this disease we spoke our Care Manager Kathryn Hoddy on tips you can use to effectively communicate with someone living with Alzheimer’s.

“Alzheimer’s is an incurable and progressive neurological condition that affects memory, cognition and communication skills.” Said Kathryn. “It is also the most common form of dementia. This is why communicating with people living with Alzheimer’s requires patience, empathy and understanding.”

As a caregiver, family member, or healthcare professional, it is essential to adapt your communication style to meet the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s to ensure effective and meaningful interactions. 

We spoke with our dedicated Retirement Living team and Clinical Educators to help provide you with the insights, strategies and tools needed to effectively communicate with people living with Alzheimer’s: 

Use simple and clear language

When communicating with someone with Alzheimer’s, it is important to be straightforward and articulate your words clearly. Avoid using complex sentences, jargon or abstract concepts that may be confusing or overwhelming. It often helps to speak slowly to give the person with Alzheimer’s time to process and respond to your words. They may become frustrated and disengaged if you interrupt them or don’t pay attention to their responses.

Maintain eye contact and non-verbal cues

Non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, gestures and body language, can play a significant role in conveying emotions and intentions to individuals with Alzheimer’s. Maintain eye contact, smile and use gentle touch to establish a connection and show empathy. Pay attention to the person’s non-verbal cues and respond accordingly to their emotions and needs. Nodding your head in response can help build a connection and affirm to them that you’re listening.

Be patient and supportive

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience difficulties with memory, language and comprehension, which can lead to frustration and confusion during conversations. Be patient, understanding and supportive and avoid correcting or criticising their mistakes. Instead, focus on validating their feelings and maintaining a positive and respectful tone.

Use visual aids and cues

Visual aids, such as pictures, drawings, and gestures, can help individuals with Alzheimer’s better understand and remember information. Use visual cues to reinforce verbal communication, provide context and increase comprehension. For example, you can use photographs to reminisce about memories or use simple drawings to illustrate daily tasks and routines.

Encourage reminiscence and storytelling

By sharing memories, stories and experiences with each other, you can help stimulate cognitive function and promote social engagement. The best way to create opportunities for reminiscence like this can be by asking open-ended questions, listening attentively and showing genuine interest in the person’s life history. Sharing stories can foster a sense of connection, identity and well-being.

Effective communication with people living with Alzheimer’s requires patience, empathy and adaptability. By using these simple tips, you can create meaningful and positive interactions with individuals with Alzheimer’s and enhance their quality of life. Remember to approach each interaction with compassion, understanding and respect for the person’s dignity and autonomy.

At Mercy Community we ensure all our residents receive the best possible care, but we make sure to provide special attention to those who need it the most, particularly Alzheimer’s patients. We at Mercy promote and assist the individual in staying physically and socially active for as long as possible, as it can be beneficial in managing stress levels and increase our resident’s quality of life. Whether you’re looking for Home Care, Residential Care or Respite Care, Mercy Community can ensure the wellbeing of your loved one. If you feel that someone you care for would benefit from the attention, care and compassion of experienced professionals, then why not visit our website today.