5 Things You Should Know About Talking To Someone With Alzheimer’s
Having a conversation with a loved one that has Alzheimer’s can be difficult. In a normal conversation there is a certain ebb and flow that doesn’t happen when you’re talking to someone with dementia because they are experiencing a reality that is different from yours. It’s important to remember that someone with Alzheimer’s processes information differently than you and adjust your conversation accordingly. Some good tips for talking with someone who has Alzheimer’s are:
Let Them Lead The Conversation
Elder Care Oakland, FL: Seniors and Alzheimer’s
Your senior loved one with Alzheimer’s is experiencing the world differently than you are. Let them invite you into their world instead of trying to bring them into yours. If you try to steer the conversation you may end up making them feel anxious or afraid when they can’t keep up with what is going on. Talk about whatever they want to talk about and let them steer the conversation. If your senior loved one has an elder care provider you can watch how they interact with their elder care provider to see how to do this.
Get Comfortable With Repetition
Your loved one with Alzheimer’s is going to repeat themselves frequently, especially as the disease progresses. Get used to it. You need to be comfortable hearing the same story or the same sentences over and over. Don’t get impatient or annoyed because your senior loved one will pick up on that. If your senior loved one wants to show you something several times or have the same conversation over and over go with it. Ask yourself why they are stuck on one subject and try to redirect them instead of getting annoyed.
Watch Your Tone
Seniors with Alzheimer’s are very aware of other people’s social cues like tone and body language because those are the cues they use to try and understand what is going on when they are confused or uncertain. Always keep your tone light, cheery, and unflustered when you are talking to your senior loved one. If your tone is annoyed or irritated they will feel like they have done something wrong but won’t know what and they could feel anxious or upset.
Keep Your Body Language Open
Keeping your body language open and friendly will also reassure your senior loved one that they haven’t done anything wrong. If your body language is relaxed and open your senior loved one will relax too. That will make conversation easier because your senior loved one won’t be trying to figure out how they are supposed to act or what they are supposed to say.
Stick To Topics That Are Happening Right Now
A common source of frustration when talking to someone with Alzheimer’s is that they don’t have any orientation in time. You can mention that you visited your loved one last week and they won’t know when last week was. All they know is what is happening now. So stick to talking about things happening now. You can talk about the weather or the nice sweater that your loved one has on or about objects or people in the room with you.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care in Oakland, FL please contact the caring staff at Winter Garden Senior Home Care today. (407) 347-2050
Founder / Owner
Jennifer Talbot is the Co-Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care in Winter Garden Florida.The business opened on Plant Street in October of 2007 (formally known as Age Advantage).
Jennifer remains active in the business and enjoys personally meeting with families looking for professional, classy caregivers. She prides herself in taking the time to listen and appreciate the personalities and life experiences of people who wish to “age in place”.Her unique ability to match people with their ideal caregiver, combined with a strong sense of service is what makes her business so successful.
Mrs. Talbot is a current member and past president of the Winter Garden Rotary Club, past president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, active West Orange Chamber member, Recipient of the “Spirit of West Orange” Award 2017, Past Business Networking International Growth Coordinator, Past Committee member and founder of South Lake’s HINT, sustainer member of the West Orange Junior Service League, past board member for AGED, advisory board member for Elder Advocates, a United States Air Force brat, and proud mother of two college graduates.
Rebecca Lanterman
Owner
Rebecca has worked in the Central Florida medical community for over 10 years.She is a native of Winter Garden, Florida andhas a driving passion to serve our seniors.It has been said that Rebecca never meets a stranger.Her experience has been in Hospice, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities where she faithfully served as a community liaison helping residents and families understand the myriad of long term care and healthcare options.
Rebecca is the mom of a little guy who is the twinkle of her eye.She can often be heard telling stories of traveling all around the country pulling her camper.To Rebecca, to live life is to touch it and experience it.Growing up in Central Florida afforded her some unique experiences like being a part of the “Magic” at Walt Disney World where she was a Walt Disney World Spirit Ambassador.She feels that this early indoctrination by The Walt Disney Company helped her understand the true value of serving others.To this day, she still has some of that Pixie Dust.Rebecca has also accomplished countless marathons and triathlons. After the sudden loss of her dad, her training partner, in 2012 she stepped away from the sport.But, as time has passed and healing has taken place, she is back to pursuing their dreams again.This time, her dad, her trusty training partner is keeping pace in her heart.It is from that willingness and drive that Rebecca has a keen understanding of the arduous and often treacherous course that our families are on.And, she is here to come along beside you and be with you each step, each stride, and each hurdle.It’s the old adage “life is a marathon and not a sprint”.She is here along with the team at Winter Garden Senior Home Care to be a part of your journey.
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