How we communicate really matters and makes a difference in the client’s response. Don’t say to the client, “Don’t you remember?” Encourage all caregivers and family members to banish asking this question.

As caregivers, our body language and facial expressions are very important. Clients experience changing visual spatial fields, so we always want to make eye contact and get at their level when we are talking with them.

Communicating with a loved one or client with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias is key to helping a person function at the optimal level and to reducing frustrations. How we communicate often affects how the client responds to the task we are helping them with.

How we communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s and related Dementias is very important. Alzheimer’s and related dementia affect a part of the brain that allows a person to communicate and remember information.

As an individual with Dementia’s disease progresses, the person may not be aware of their own safety deficits. Their environment may be more difficult to manage and navigate, and an individual may try to leave the home unaccompanied. Below are some suggestions to keep an individual safe in their home.

Activities are vitally important when working with individuals with Dementia. Activities are valuable to increase socialization, providing mental stimulation as well as exercise. Engaging people with Dementia in activities has been shown to decrease depression, improve self-esteem, improve quality of life, and decrease challenging behaviors.

The holidays are full of emotions, so it can help to let guests know what to expect before they arrive.

During the holidays, being flexible and adapting family rituals and traditions to meet the needs of a client or loved one with Dementia is important in helping everyone be able to enjoy the festivities. 

Traveling can be challenging when someone has Dementia and may not be restful and relaxing. The individual with Dementia may function well in a familiar place, however, travel disrupts all the sameness and familiarity and may be frightening to the individual with Dementia. Clearly travel is possible, but it involves considerable planning on the part of the caregiver.