the me?
Communication Is a Valuable Tool
residents and guests. You want your loved one to
remain healthy and engaged while at the facility and that you and other family members can visit frequently.
4 Strategies When Speaking With Dementia Patients
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Speak with residents: Ask them how their time at the nursing home has been, what they like and don’t like, and if they would recommend the facility to others.
Most of us can follow someone who uses compound sentences, asks various questions, or tends to talk quickly. But for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can be challenging to focus on what others are saying if a sentence has multiple ideas. Furthermore, this affects how they listen and pay attention to others and can also impact how they express themselves. An Alzheimer’s or dementia patient may have trouble finding the right words, repeat words or phrases, or use one term when they meant another. Because of these challenges, you or your loved one may feel frustrated when speaking. But there are some strategies you can use to improve your communication during situations like this. Speak clearly and slowly. When you enunciate each word and use shorter sentences, it’s easier for others to understand what you’re saying. Rephrase as needed. If you notice your loved one is having difficulty understanding what you’re saying even after you’ve slowed down, re-word your question or statement. You may have to repeat yourself, so remain patient. Provide time to respond. It takes at least 90 seconds for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia to comprehend what you’re saying. While it may seem like a long time, don’t ask follow-up questions or try to encourage a response. Acknowledge what others say. Even if they don’t answer your question or their response seems out of context, show that you heard them. They may not feel confident speaking to others if you state that they didn’t answer your question or failed to stay on topic. If you or someone you know is caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, please contact us today to receive a copy of our FREE caring and communication handout. It will discuss the unique challenges caregivers face and how to resolve issues. You can also go online at TrinityElderLaw.com/470-2 to receive a copy of our FREE book “You’re Not Alone: Living as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver” for additional information.
• Ask about response times: You want the nursing home to operate like a well-oiled machine. Therefore, ask employees and residents how long it takes for the call lights to be responded to, how long it takes to receive medication, and other response times for other care options. Don’t be fooled by the curated appearance on a facility’s website or in person — while a beautiful home can be beneficial, how it operates and how staff would treat your loved one is what matters most! That’s why conducting extensive research on different places is vital before completing an application. If there is any way we can help you during this time, please don’t hesitate to call us! Easy Fruit Dip Spring is here, which means it’s time to enjoy fresh fruits and refreshing treats! This recipe has only four ingredients and can be made in under five minutes, so it’s great to bring to parties or make before a quick get-together. We recommend serving it with strawberries or cut-up pineapple, mango, and honeydew. Inspired by InspiredByCharm.com
Ingredients
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1 7-oz jar marshmallow fluff 1 8-oz package of cream cheese, softened
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Splash of maraschino cherry juice Fresh-cut fruit of your choice
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1 cup vanilla yogurt
Directions
1. In a bowl, place all the ingredients except fruit and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving. 3. Serve with fresh-cut fruit. Dip and enjoy!
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