Tips To Help You Deal Better With People Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease By Joy Rodak
When dealing with people who have Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to remember that they still have feelings and emotions. Try not to yell at them or get angry, because that will only make things worse. You can still be caring and loving toward them even though they can’t remember everything anymore.
Don’t Try To Argue With Them
It can be tempting to try and convince your loved one that they don’t really have Alzheimer’s disease, but this will only upset them and make it more difficult for you both to deal with their condition. Arguing about who said what and when is a waste of time because your loved one cannot remember what has happened in the past few minutes or even seconds! It’s best just to accept this fact and move on with life as usual by letting go of arguments about things that happened in the past (even if it was just yesterday).
Give Them Space
Giving them space is one of the best ways to help them,says Joy Rodak. People with Alzheimer’s disease can be very sensitive to noise, light and touch, so don’t crowd them or touch them unless you have their permission. Also avoid overstimulating them with too many people or activities at once.
If you’re arguing with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease about something that happened in the past–for example, they say they remember something different than what really happened–it’s best not to argue; instead ask questions like “What do you think?” or “What would be helpful right now?”
Speak To Them Gently And Slowly
You may be tempted to talk slowly and use simple words, but that’s not enough. You also have to speak gently. Use a calm tone of voice, avoid raising your voice and don’t rush through sentences as though you are in a hurry or annoyed with the person who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Joy Rodak If someone has Alzheimer’s disease, he or she is likely to have trouble understanding what you’re saying–even if you’re speaking slowly and using simple words that make sense in context. In addition, due to other symptoms associated with this condition (such as confusion), they may become confused by what you’ve said even if it was perfectly clear when first spoken out loud!