Caregiving Requires Dedication

As a family member providing home care for an aging relative living with Alzheimer’s disease, you can enhance communication with them by:

• Avoiding distractions and noise.

• Keeping things simple – using short sentences and plain words.

• Avoiding questions – offering suggestions instead.

• Being patient and not interrupting when your loved one is expressing him or herself.

• Maintaining eye contact and showing interest. Staying near your loved one, so he or she knows someone is listening and trying to understand.

• Not taking it personally. As hurtful as it is, you need to remember it is the disease talking, not your loved one.

• Using props and cues to increase recognition. For example, when taking your loved one to the bathroom, you can point to the toilet and ask, “Do you need to go to the bathroom?”

• Remaining calm – using a normal and relaxed voice. Patience pays off with a smoother day.

Most families know little about Alzheimer’s disease and how best to cope. We have found that when family caregivers are equipped with some practical information and easy-to-apply techniques, they can provide effective home care for their loved one and reduce their own level of stress.  We can offer you a copy of a  booklet called Helping Families Cope offering practical tips and resources to family caregivers struggling to care for their loved ones.