Tips for Communicating with an Elderly Adult in the Later Stage of Alzheimer’s Disease

December 22, 2017Alzheimer's Disease, Elder Care in Boynton Beach FL, Elderly Care in Boynton Beach FL, Elderly Care in Boynton Beach FL, Home Care in Boynton Beach FL, Home Care in Boynton Beach FL

The middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease tends to be the longest, potentially lasting for several years, but many family caregivers consider the advanced, or late stage, of Alzheimer’s disease the most difficult. This is because this is the stage at which challenges and limitations become the most pronounced and you will need to come to terms with the reality that this is the end of their journey. One of the challenges that will worsen during this time is your parent’s communication. During the middle stage of the disease you will have focused on techniques such as asking simple questions, giving instructions one step at a time, and giving your parent plenty of time to respond, but your care efforts will need to increase further during this stage to maintain your connection and support ongoing care.

Use these tips to communicate effectively with an elderly adult in the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease:

Dedicate yourself to always showing dignity and respect to your aging parent
Never criticize or degrade your parent, and make sure that you never talk down to or about them, even if they are not in the room with you
Always make sure that your parent is aware of your presence if possible rather than talking to them from behind or when they cannot see you
Announce yourself and clarify who you are rather than just saying hello or saying “it’s me”
Encourage your parent to use nonverbal communication such as gesturing, drawing, or pointing. If you are having difficulty understanding what they are saying try using nonverbal cues and ask your parent to do the same
Remember that you do not always need to speak to express yourself. Show your love for your parent by hugging them, rubbing their back, or holding their hand
Communicate through senses, such as exposing your parent to smells, tastes, and sounds that they have always enjoyed

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for your aging parent throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. A senior home care services provider can be there with your aging parent on a fully customized schedule to ensure that they have access to all of the care, support, and assistance that they need to live the quality of life that they desire and deserve throughout their later years. Through a highly personalized set of services, this care provider can help your parent stay healthy, happy, comfortable, and safe, as well as encourage them to live a lifestyle that is as independent, active, and fulfilling as possible. These services can include assistance with personal care tasks and activities of daily living, fulfillment of daily needs such as running errands and going to appointments, physical support and assistance, help with keeping the home clean and safe, and companionship to boost mental and emotional health and keep them at their best as they age in place.

Source: https://www.alz.org/care/dementia-communication-tips.asp

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Professional Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Boynton Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff at Assisting Hands Home Care at (561) 566-5989 Today.