Contents:
- Medical Video: Caregiver Training: Refusal to Bathe | UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
- Tips for interacting with people who have Alzheimer's disease
- 1. Don't be ignored
- 2. Call the name clearly
- 3. Don't accuse and prejudice first
- 4. Do not immediately ask repeatedly
- 5. Don't focus on weaknesses
- 6. Don't ask him to argue
- 7. Don't stop interacting even though you know his memory won't return
Medical Video: Caregiver Training: Refusal to Bathe | UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
Alzheimer's disease is a disease that causes patients to experience a decline in memory and the ability to think and change behavior when living their daily lives. It's not easy to have interactions with people with Alzheimer's because they tend to forget quickly, absent-mindedly, prefer to keep quiet, and have difficulty communicating.
Take it easy, with the right approach, interacting with Alzheimer's patients will be more smooth. Here are some things you should pay attention to if you want to invite them to interact.
Tips for interacting with people who have Alzheimer's disease
1. Don't be ignored
If you are not sure how to interact with someone who is lost in memory, the first rule is not to ignore it. His memory may not work as well as yours, but he is like other humans who deserve attention and respect. Try to greet them warmly and offer a handshake or a pat on the back.
2. Call the name clearly
Usually someone has a love call given from family or close relatives. If you are caring for people who have Alzheimer's disease, don't call their names with love calls that you often call in the everyday world. Call the person's clear name.
This is one effective way for people with Alzheimer's to remember their own names. Remembering his own name can provoke him to be able to remember memories or other information.
3. Don't accuse and prejudice first
Although people with Alzheimer's often feel confused or absent-minded, it does not mean that they cannot provide information that is true. For example, if someone with Alzheimer's disease tells you that your brother is calling and intends to visit home this afternoon.
Naturally, if you doubt the truth of the information. However, do not immediately accuse or prejudice that he is just making it up. The reason is, this can really happen. To confirm the truth, you can ask for confirmation from the person concerned.
So, don't overlook everything that people with Alzheimer's say. Sometimes, you only need more time to find out the truth of the information they say.
4. Do not immediately ask repeatedly
"Remember me, right?", "Guess what my name is?", "When was the last time I came here?", "How old are I?", "What day is this?", Or "Come on ... you know the answer. Try thinking harder. "
Your intention might be to provoke his memory. However, don't immediately bombard with many questions. Besides making anxiety, this is also not useful. Some people may really not remember even trivial things. So, think carefully before you ask clear questions they can't answer. It's better to tell him about the memories you've ever done together.
5. Don't focus on weaknesses
Feelings of sadness when you see loved ones are no longer as they used to be. Especially related to memory that over time decreases. In fact, you barely recognize the figure anymore. However, do not be sad for this condition too long.
Instead of focusing on his memory weaknesses, it's better to focus on other things that are more useful. For example, his ability to increase because he has succeeded in compiling a puzzle, the better hair order, or how well he can walk without using a stick. These simple things actually really help them and can change your perspective.
6. Don't ask him to argue
There is never any benefit in arguing with people who have Alzheimer's disease. First, you will not win. Second, this debate will make them angry. The best way if you have a different view from them is to change the subject.
We recommend that you look for pleasant talks so that they can immediately attract their attention and enthusiasm. That way, they will quickly forget disagreement over something you have done together.
7. Don't stop interacting even though you know his memory won't return
Have you ever thought about stopping interacting with loved ones because you know if you remember you won't come back again? If yes, you should think again. Even if he can't remember anything about your memories all this time. Research shows that the feelings you make persist far longer than your efforts to help her memory back so far.
So, don't give up on dealing with loved ones with Alzheimer's. Give a sincere affection to them. Always remember that what you do so far will be sweet fruit later on. If these expectations never arise, at least you have struggled with the maximum effort so that no regrets come at the end.
