Dealing with Alzheimers

How to Deal with an Alzheimer's patient:

• Speak with a smile, it takes away the tension and puts the patient at ease
• Use simple language that is easy to understand
• Slow your speech.
• Keep sentences short and to the point. Voice one idea at a time.
• Be clear and concise.
• Allow the patient to take time to think through what has been said (it takes time to think about the meaning of words).
• Allow the patient to set the pace of the conversation.
• Ensure you have the patient's full attention.
• Give the patient time to find words and voice thoughts.
• Allow them to finish, sometimes it takes a little longer.
• Take time to help them get their thought out, and perhaps ask questions to help clarify their thoughts and find the right words.
• Repeat the information (many times) if asked.
• Ensure the patient has heard and understood what has been said.
• Adjust your tone of voice: louder is NOT always better
• Ensure the you and the patient are face to face when talking.
• PLEASE BE PATIENT!