Better Communication and Alzheimer’s: How-To

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is difficult to navigate. This is especially true if you have no experience with Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. You may worry about how your relationship with your now-diagnosed loved one will look or change over time. You may already have noticed how your communication with your loved one has changed. It can be extremely frustrating to adjust your communication methods, however, you may find utilizing these communication skills from highly knowledgeable memory care communities that specialize in dementia treatment beneficial moving forward with your specialized memory care approaches.

How Dementia Affects Communication

Over time, Alzheimer’s and dementia will gradually lessen an individual's ability to communicate in traditional ways. This is because dementia causes nerve cell failure in the brain, meaning an individual with dementia will have difficulty speaking or understanding speech from someone else. Not only this, but dementia can cause difficulty with social skills, and may not understand appropriate responses or reactions to situations. All of this makes communicating with a loved one who has dementia very difficult. Adjusting your communication strategies for better Alzheimer’s communication may include:

• Staying patient & flexible. Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice we can give to a family wanting to communicate with their loved one is to stay patient, calm, understanding, and flexible. It’s defeating sometimes to deal with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but patience will help your loved one to feel more comfortable with you, allowing them to want to open up and try to communicate more often.

• Avoid complex language. When communicating with someone with dementia, it’s best to stay away from using complex language or phrases. Metaphors, satire, and sarcasm can cause confusion and frustration.

• Refrain from asking difficult questions. Questions tend to confuse seniors with Alzheimer’s and can make the communication process more tedious and overwhelming. Try to keep communication free-flowing and simple.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer's care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar's memory care communities in Arvada. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company's history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.