As time goes by, it is not unusual for there to be family communication problems between parents and kids. But if you are a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be dealing with some real road blocks to normal conversation between family members.
Here are some tips to help you communicate more effectively with your senior family member:
1.Be sure to bring up topics-even those that may be uncomfortable such as talking about financial issues, a will or discussing the future of the disease.
2.Keep defensiveness at bay, for example if your son or daughter tells you that you are no longer safe to drive. Try taking a logical stance such as offering to take a defensive driver’s course.
3.Stay as positive as possible and point out topics that you both agree on to keep the conversation from being too negative.
4.Use assertiveness when talking with family members and be clear about what you want and how you feel about things so there are no misunderstandings.
5.Withhold any aggression during communication-this type of negativity makes others feel attacked and on the defensive.
6.Keep the focus on yourself and clearly state your wants, needs and/or opinions. Attacking others does not facilitate positive communication.
7.Follow a common saying; “pick your battles” meaning don’t take issue with things unless they are really important.
8. Select the right time and place to bring up important issues and make sure the timing is good for all parties involved in the conversation. Talking about things at an inappropriate time is the best way to be unheard and to have your opinions discounted.
9.Make sure to seek medical support for any level of hearing impairment. Ask for a hearing aid if necessary-keep in mind that limitations in hearing are a normal part of the aging process.
10.Be as independent for as long as possible. Don’t fall into the trap where you let people do everything for you-even though you are capable of doing those things yourself. Doing everything you are able to do will help keep your brain and memory sharper than if you fall into a pattern of early dependence just because you have people around who are offering to help.
11.Practice good listening skills-meaning reserve judgment and don’t interrupt when others are talking. Do your best to put yourself in the other person’s shoes as they say.
12.Practice an attitude of gratitude and let your family members know that even if you don’t always agree about everything, you are grateful for all that they do for you.
Learn more about topics for caregivers by signing up for our 25 lesson course on AlzU.org by CLICKING HERE.
