Tag: caring for people with dementia

Advice for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s

Active listening;

1. Allow time and patience for your loved one to express any feelings/concerns/issues
2. Provide empathy and understanding of your loved ones needs
3. Promote one to one time
4. Ensure the environment is conducive to your relatives needs

 Focus on personal abilities;

1. Allow the individual to carry out tasks in their own time and at their own pace.
2. Always explain what you are doing and why
3. Encourage independence by allowing them to complete tasks by themselves and provide guidance and support where needed.
4. Break down complex tasks into more simpler forms
5. Offer choices and respect their decisions
6. Be respectful, maintain dignity and privacy

Effective communication;

1. Speak slowly and use short simple words and phrases.
2. Identify yourself when engaging with your loved one
3. Focus on one piece of information at a time
4. Use clocks, calendars and familiar personal effects