Dementia has many causes from disease like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to brain trauma or stroke.  One aspect of daily life that’s affected is communication.  It is sometimes difficult for caregivers to remember that their loved one’s brain isn’t functioning the way that it used to and communication is one place where that malfunction can show up.

Here are some tips from Frank Broyles’ Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.Coach Broyles was the highly successful football coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who wrote this handy little book based on his experience in caring for his wife who was an Alzheimer’s patient.  The book costs about $10 and comes with a pocket-size quick reference guide.  If you’re caring for someone with dementia, I highly recommend the book and the website,www.alzheimersplaybook.com:

Keep what you are telling her short and simple but not child-like.
Use one-step instructions when asking her to do what you want.  This will decrease her frustration level and make each activity a success for her.
Don’t tell her more than she needs to know at one time.
Give her lots of time to finish what she is trying to say.
Don’t argue with her.  It is easier to agree with her and then do what you had planned anyway.
Don’t correct or fuss t her for getting something wrong.  Does it really matter?  It may only maker her feel bad.
Her entire day depends on how you speak to her.  Speak very calmly and know that your body language needs to reassure her.

Personality and behavior changes, memory loss, and communication difficulties are part of the daily lives of dementia patients and their caregivers.  These ideas can help reduce the stress and frustration that comes with dementia caregiving.

Blessings, Joanne