Alzheimer’s disease can be a devastating diagnosis for your loved one.  It impacts every member of your family. Communication becomes more important than ever. From becoming a better listener, to clearly stating instructions, communication is vital to your loved one’s wellbeing.

Here are 10 tips to keep the lines of communication open and also help reduce the risk of elder abuse:

  1. Maintain a Calm Environment: Create a calm environment to minimize overstimulation that might excite or unsettle the person.
  2. Be Patient: Maintaining patience is key, especially when you are trying to talk to a family member with Alzheimer’s. Even if you hear the same stories over and over, it’s important to give the person a listening ear.
  3. Evaluate Medications: If communication is difficult, evaluate whether certain medications are affecting the person’s ability to talk.
  4. Address Issues Immediately: When issues with the person’s care or living situation are brought to light, address them right away.
  5. Don’t Assume: Ask your loved one frequently about their health and happiness in order to identify any red-flags that indicate elder abuse.
  6. Maintain Routines: A familiar, consistent routine is a great way to help the person feel safe and secure. It can also help keep the lines of communication open.
  7. Other Forms of Communication: Is verbal communication difficult? Consider other options, such as writing or signing.
  8. Watch Nonverbal Cues: Communication isn’t only the words that come out of the person’s mouth. Nonverbal cues can provide clues about the person’s care and comfort. Pay attention to body language and other environmental factors.
  9. Keep It Simple: Jumping from one topic to the next can be confusing and difficult. Keep the communication simple; talk about one topic at a time.
  10. Family Education: Even if you are maintaining good communication with the affected person, it’s important to ensure that other family members participate in these conversations as well.

Staying on top of communication is one of the most important things that you can do to protect your loved one from elder abuse. For more information about preventing fraud and elder abuse, contact us at any time. Email info@SeniorSafeAndSound.org or call 858-480-7551. Senior Safe and Sound.

This information is intended to inform the public at large about this important issue. It is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice.