Hello there. I’ve got some news to share.
No need to hurry. Settle yourself down comfortably. Take a moment to breathe.
Are you prepared?
Let’s delve into the murky waters of Alzheimer’s communication. But first, let’s clear up a fallacy: Communicating with someone with Alzheimer’s is not a Herculean task.
In fact, it can be surprisingly…simple.
Pause for gasps of disbelief.
Surprised? Don’t be.
Here’s the lowdown: Alzheimer’s doesn’t erase the person. The essence of who they are remains intact, hidden beneath the shroud of this relentless disease.
And with a sprinkle of patience and a dash of understanding, we can reach out and connect.
Enter our protagonist: Amy, a loving granddaughter trying to navigate the twisty Alzheimer’s maze with her beloved grandmother.
Amy, like many, felt she was in the theater of the absurd. Conversations left her frustrated and upset.
Image by EFUETNGUNG ATEM ANDREW from Pixabay
Speak clearly and naturally
“Speak clearly and naturally, Amy,” advised a friend. And Amy did just that, tossing aside her ‘doctor-voice’ and adopting a softer, warmer tone.
The effect? Like a cuddly blanket on a chilly night. Grandma smiled more, and Amy’s heart fluttered with hope.
Communication is not all about the spoken word
Communication is not all about the spoken word, as we’ve heard a million times. In fact, it’s majorly not about it.
A whopping 93% of communication is non-verbal! Crazy, right?
Amy noticed it too, the way grandma’s eyes lit up when she walked into the room, how her wrinkled hands squeezed in a silent “I missed you.”
Reminiscing to combat memory loss
Memory loss – the demon that dances with Alzheimer’s. It strips away recent memories, leaving only the distant past.
When Amy talked about the latest episode of “The Queen’s Gambit,” Grandma just nodded, lost.
So Amy started to relive old stories instead – her first day at school, the family dog, and her mother’s delicious apple pie.
And guess what? It worked! Grandma would chime in, her face bright with old memories, and they’d laugh together, remembering.
Image by Nicole Miranda from Pixabay
Choosing the right time and place is also key
Choosing the right time and place is also key. Remember, Alzheimer’s can create a sensory overload, making communication tougher.
So, Amy began their chats in quiet, familiar spots when Grandma was at her best.
And voila, their conversations blossomed.
Patience is truly a virture
Patience. An elusive quality that Amy discovered she had in spades.
Amy learned to wait, giving Grandma the time to form her responses.
She became an active listener, understanding her grandma’s new rhythm of conversation.
Fast forward to a few months later. Grandma’s Alzheimer’s was progressing, but Amy wasn’t lost anymore. She had her map and navigated the maze gracefully, cherishing her new bond with her grandma.
I hope you’re listening to Amy’s story. I hope it gives you comfort, knowing you’re not alone and that you can weather this storm too with a little love and a lot of patience.
Do you have to be an expert in Alzheimer’s communication? No. Should you give it a try? Absolutely.
Just remember, the road may seem arduous, but it’s not impossible. And who knows, the connection you foster might be the rainbow amidst the storm.
But hey, what do I know? I’m just the messenger. wink wink.
Ending
(I am told to write an ending…)
So, you’ve heard Amy’s story. What happens next? I’ll leave that to your imagination.
Keep in mind, the story doesn’t end here. It continues with you.
