Brightview Towson, 20 Burke Ave Towson, MD

Brightview Towson hosted a speaker, Jennell Daniels from the Alzheimer’s Association, on May 8, 2018 to speak about Effective Communication Strategies with Alzheimer’s Patients.

The room was filled with attendees and Jennell gave us a slide show with a few videos to help us understand these strategies. She went thru Early stage, Middle stage and Late stage of the disease. We need to understand that sometimes these stages overlap. And, every patient is different.

There were several questions from the attendees. Jennell answered warmly and specifically.

Communicating in all stages of the disease

In every stage, keep the following communication tips in mind:

  • Respect and empathy are key

    Remember that the essence of the person continues. Respect the person as the adult he or she is, and adjust your communication based on what is meaningful to the person today. no matter what the stage .

  • Join the person’s reality to uncover the source of reactions and to connect

    Keep in mind that behavior is a form of communication, and by seeing the world through his or her eyes, you can get clues about what the person is responding to. This connection also provides soothing and reassurance for the person with dementia.

  • Understand and accept what you can and cannot change.

    You cannot expect the person with the disease to behave as he or she might have in the past, with a reasonable response. If a communication of yours isn’t getting the desired response, focus on what you can change in what you are doing to alter the situation.

  • Focus on feelings, not facts.

    Responding to those feelings first can help avoid resistance.

  • Try to decode the person’s communications.

    The emotion behind the words or behavior being expressed are your most powerful tools when attempting to decode communication and connect w ith the person with dementia.

  • Recognize the effects of your mood and actions.

    We all convey our moods through our actions and tone of voice. People with dementia are sensitive to these feelings and will often pick up and react to those feelings, sometimes causing feelings to escalate.

  • Help meet the needs while soothing and calming the person.

    Provide what you can to meet the person’s needs, remembering to help the person feel safe and content.

Get reliable information and resources at alz.org/care

You can also call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900

Pat France, an MSRN member, was an attendee on May 8, 2018 and submitted this article.