Strategies to Help Communicate with Alzheimer's Patients
Assist them emotionally
People with Alzheimer’s need emotional assistance more than anything else. Practical assistance follows as you learn to deal with them from day to day. Some of the simple ways to manage them are to give them cues. For instance, putting labels on items, drawers, cabinets, and doors is a way of reminding them every time they see it. There are those that go to the extent of posting reminders on the walls and doors and using IDs. But, to some patients, this may be offensive, so it's very important to understand them the best you can at all times.
The best emotional assistance is to keep them company. They need comfort by talking to them, taking a walk with them, reading to them, or simply listening to music with them. Patients can remember music and may re-live some memories in their minds. Giving them pets is also a good way to provide them company. As noted by the Alzheimer’s Association, a visit from a pet causes patients to become nostalgic. They experience the transition from being emotionless and stoic to being joyful and lively.