Conversations with a senior loved one trying to cope with all the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia, particularly in the middle and later stages, can be frustrating – both for you personally as well as for your loved one. Brain changes affect the capacity to listen, process, and respond effectively to conversations. By employing innovative techniques for communication strategies with dementia patients, family caregivers can more effectively connect with their loved ones.
The good news is, it’s less complicated than it might appear. We already communicate nonverbally in many ways:
- Touch
- Posture and body movement
- Eye contact
- Facial expressions
- Gestures
- Personal space
Take a look at these methods to integrate increased nonverbal communication in your interactions with a senior loved one:
- Offer reassurance through caring touch. If your family member is comfortable with touch, hold and pat the senior’s hand, rub the person’s back, place an arm around his/her shoulders, and offer warm hugs.
- Look the person in the eye. Eye contact conveys interest in the person, even when no words are said aloud.
- Respect personal boundaries. Steer clear of intimidating the person by permitting plenty of personal space, and making sure you’re at the same level as the senior, never towering over her or him. Your face should always be at eye level with the senior.
- Always keep a peaceful, patient, and positive manner. Curb any anger, frustration or impatience, and focus on maintaining a calm and pleasant expression on your face when together with a loved one. If this is impossible due to difficult behaviors, walk away momentarily and practice deep breathing or some other relaxation techniques, such as:
- Square breathing: Use your finger to trace the shape of a square in front of you. When tracing the very first side, breathe in deeply for a count of three; for the following side, hold your breath for one second; for the third side, breathe out for a count of three; and for the fourth side, hold your breath for one second. Do it again as needed.
- Relaxing phrase repetition: A few examples to get you started: This will pass, and things are ok. I can handle this. I am safe and well.
- Distracted thinking: Practice concentrated refocusing. Try reciting the alphabet backwards, stating as many state capitals that you can, or singing the words to a favorite song.
Learn more innovative techniques to successful Alzheimer’s and dementia care by contacting Independence-4-Seniors Home Care. Our DuPage County caregivers are specially trained in the most up-to-date Alzheimer’s and dementia care techniques, and we are always available to assist a senior loved one with dementia to remain safe and calm, and to enjoy life to his or her greatest possible potential. Reach out to us online or at (630) 323-4665 at any time for assistance and to learn more about our in home care services.