A few simple tips can help you begin to communicate better with a loved one suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Solid communication skills can make your caregiving role less stressful and may help you build a stronger relationship with your loved one.

In the early stages, your loved one can take part in his or her care. Share your concerns and frustrations with each other. Work together to find strategies to maintain independence. This checklist may help you talk with your loved one about their wishes when it comes to their care and future.

It may sound obvious, but one of the most important things to remember is to actually talk to your loved one. Tell him or her what you’re doing and why. Also, let him or her provide input or make decisions as much as possible.

Minimize distractions and noise to help the person focus on what you’re saying. Select a quiet, familiar room to have the conversation in.

Use a calm and gentle tone of voice, ask simple, answerable questions in a positive way. En-gage as many of your loved ones senses as possible. Try to demonstrate what you’re talking about by using body language, touch, facial expressions and gestures. For example point to objects that you’re referring to, and smiling will help get your message across.

Listening to your loved one will require patience. Allow enough time to respond. If the person is struggling to find a word, try to gently provide it. People with dementia often feel unsure of themselves. Respond with both verbal and physical affection and reassurance. Sometimes a touch such as a hug or hand-squeeze can convey more than words. It may be draining when your loved one needs to repeat the same information over and over, but knowing that you’re lis-tening will help reassure them.

Don’t feel like you’ve failed if a conversation doesn’t go well. Wait for another time and try the conversation again. Keep on talking, even when a person may no longer be verbal. Chat about things that mattered to the person and mention names of family and friends. Even if communication is one-sided, it can loudly show that you care.

Read about how caregivers are dealing with caring for their loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia by checking out user discussions on our forum.

Resources from AGIS.com:

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Communication

Caring for Someone with Dementia

Filed under: Alzheimer's, Caregiving, Checklist