Instead of focusing on wellness and maximizing functioning, seniors sometimes focus on illness and loss of functioning. One of our Center’s main goals is to focus on what is feeling well, and using that to help people function as highly as possible. We strive to help seniors and their caregivers feel positive about their level of functioning, skills and talents.

In our program for people with memory impairment, it is very important to help them strengthen their skills and “exercise” their memory as much as possible. Over the years, we’ve observed that the way caregivers communicate with seniors makes a tremendous difference in their behavior, functioning and ability to learn.

When speaking to someone with memory loss or confusion, there are many techniques caregivers can try to enhance communication. See below for some suggestions from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (Communication Techniques Brochure):

Communication Tips for Caregivers

• Speak to the person face-to-face. Do not approach from behind or side – this might be startling and create anxiety.
• Speak slowly and use simple words.
• Speak in a calm tone of voice. Even if they don’t understand what you’re saying, they sense the feeling underneath the words.
• Use non-verbal gestures to help cue people.
• Only ask one question at a time. Rephrase the question if they don’t understand you.
• Speak in simple one-step instructions. When the person has achieved one step, provide positive reinforcement and move onto the next step.

Using these simple techniques, we’ve seen remarkable changes in behavior, mood and functioning.  For more information on memory loss and help for caregivers, check out the link to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America – www.alzfdn.org