If you're visiting a loved one with Alzheimer's disease during this holiday season, here are some tips to try and have a more pleasant visit.......
Know that Alzheimer's commonly includes issues with:
- Communication: trouble finding words, expressing specific thoughts, or following along with conversations.
- Memory: repeating a question, not recognizing a family member or friend right away, struggling to do everyday tasks.
- Behavior: agitation, verbal or physical outbursts, and irritability.
Tips to help communicate:
- Always approach your loved one calmly from the front in order to avoid startling them.
- Avoid arguing, criticizing or correcting them.
- Remain calm and encourage them to express themselves as best as they can, even if they struggle to articulate their thoughts or come across offensive.
- Speak slowly and precisely whil trying to keep words and sentences short and simple.
- Remove any distractions. Visit in a quite living room, for example, instead of a busy cafe.
Tips to help with memory:
- Reminisce about a favorite shared experience together. Ask about immediate family members. Bring an old phot album or news clipping that may help trigger memories.
- Engage. Talk about events in your life, the local community, and the world.
- Remember who they were before Alzheimer's. Were they a frequent traveler, an artist, or a musician? Try and help them rediscover those passions.
Tips to help with behavior:
- Allow your loved one to repeat questions. When possible, gently redirect their attention to something else.
- Minimize stress. If they seem uncomfortable or agitated, try and find a way to make it easier for them.
- If possible, suggest physical activity like walking or dancing. Exercise is great for the body and the brain.
- Play their favorite music. Music stays in the memory and could provide emotional and behavioral benefits.
Most important of all, accept how your loved one is and enjoy visiting with them. And take pictures to send to them after your visit!