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Communicating with Alzheimer's sufferers

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, August 26, 2004

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Alzheimer's affects the ability to communicate, which can lead those suffering from the disease to become frustrated, angry, or aggressive. CNAs may be able to help communicate with those whose language has become impaired by learning some steps to enhance communication, listed below. Remember to gear these suggestions to the resident's current language level. For instance, you would not resort to demonstrations or pantomime with residents who understand spoken language but have difficulty expressing themselves. Consider the following tips:  Ask residents who want to withdraw from social interactions to talk about events that occurred when they were 14-25 years old, the time from which people retain their clearest memories.  With residents who can understand simple words and sentences but have difficulty finding the correct words themselves, speak slowly, simply, and calmly so they have time to process your words.  If necessary, demonstrate what you wish residents to do. For example, show them one step at a time how to dress themselves or take another bite of food.  If the resident is speaking fluently, but not making sense, try to find key words or the emotion behind his or her words, to find the meaning.  For residents who have become silent, or repeat the same words over and over, pay attention to their nonverbal behavior--how they use their eyes, hands, and body--to find the meaning.  Continue to converse with nonresponsive residents in simple words, explaining to them what is occurring.  Show affection through smiles, hugs, or a pat on the shoulder. The resident will recognize and benefit from your caring gestures.

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