Enhancing the Quality of Life for People with Alzheimer's and Their FamiliesWritten by William Hammond, J.D.
Learning how to communicate with loved ones who have Alzheimer's Disease is often a difficult task for families. It can be heartbreaking and confusing to witness a loved one exhibit behavior that is far from their usual temperament. In order to sustain relationships and enhance coping abilities, family members and caregivers must learn how to communicate with their loved ones in ways that can enhance quality of life for individual. Techniques for Communication Learning how to successfully communicate with your loved one can help to keep undesired behaviors like agitation and wandering to a minimum as well as improve their quality of life. There are a few basic techniques caregivers and family members should keep in mind when communicating with their loved one. First, approaching a person from front can be helpful in reducing potential of surprise. The element of surprise can be fear-producing and disorienting for someone with Alzheimer's. Second, face person as you talk with them, and avoid spending time in a setting with a lot of sensory stimulation. Too much surrounding noise or movement can be confusing and affect your loved one's ability to communicate. Third, if a situation looks like it might get out of hand, distraction can be helpful to diffuse situation. For example, introducing another activity such as a walk or drive can help to redirect their attention. Lastly, speaking slowly in a low-pitch and remembering to ask only one question at a time can help your loved one understand and minimize confusion. The above are a few basic keys to communicating with someone who has Alzheimer's. More information regarding communication can be found at ElderCare Online (www.ec-online.net). Helpful Interventions Sometimes prescription medications are appropriate for those with Alzheimer's to alleviate psychotic symptoms or enhance memory and cognitive functions. However, there are other interventions that caregivers and family members can take in order enhance their relationships and quality of life for individual.
| | How to get the Alzheimer’s Patient Off the road... Taking the Keys AwayWritten by William Hammond, J.D.
For most people, driving is a necessity as well as a symbol of independence. There are very few people that will easily give up their independence and give you keys to their vehicle. Yet for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, driving a vehicle can pose serious risks and endanger themselves or others. The decision of when to stop driving is one that Alzheimer's patients and their families often face. There are many opinions concerning issue of driving for Alzheimer's patient. If he trusts his physician, doctor may have more success than primary care giver in letting patient know when to stop driving. The physician may be trusted by patient and be able to explain to him that his medical condition may interfere with his driving. This scenario is good for caregiver as it takes responsibility off you and puts it on medical condition, with physician being messenger. Below you will find some guidelines for approaching this sensitive issue with your family and your loved one. Ask your relatives to back you by being pleasantly supportive of your loved one. For a while, make sure he has a ride to familiar frequented places. Routine is so important. Humor is almost always a positive way to cope with this situation. A fun way of approaching subject is to tell him how lucky he is to have his own chauffeur! However, knowing when to take keys out of his hands can become tricky. Here are some warning signs that will help you make decision:
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