Coping with Memory Loss

Finding a successful way to communicate with someone with aging memory loss is a creative process and takes a great deal of patience.

· Use short, direct literal sentences.

· Make certain the most important information comes at the beginning the sentence.

· Use common words.

· Focus on the here and now. Try to avoid conversations that rely on memory.

· Cueing is extremely important. Animate your sentences, point to objects that you are referring to.

· Don't argue. If the person doesn't understand you, reword your question.

· Allow time for the person to find the word or words they are searching for.

· Let them be creative in their way of speaking. If they need to say "a thing that takes you places" because they can't find the word for car or taxi, don't correct them. Look for the meaning behind their words and try to make sense of disjointed comments.

· Touching is very important and very reassuring. Make sure it is gentle and loving and does not indicate any signs of restraint.

When someone is very impaired, it is still important to converse to keep the person from withdrawing completely. Make sure you are face to face with the person you are speaking with and keep it at eye level as much as possible. Rely on nonverbal cues as much as possible and keep your tone and demeanor calm and reassuring.

Try not to patronize or talk to the person as if they were a child. Tune in to how they say things, not necessarily what they are saying. This will give you an idea of how they are feeling inside.
Remember that the decline in memory cognition does not limit intelligence, but only the ability to communicate. Be aware that the person needs to feel respected and listened to no matter what is being said. While the frustration for the caregiver may be extreme, it is important to remember and see the person and treat the person with as much respect and dignity as possible.

When a person becomes agitated during a conversation, it may be a sign of fatigue. It's time to take a break, listen to music, and refocus on something that causes less anxiety and fatigue.
Communicating well under these circumstances is a skill that requires creativity, patience, and compassion. When it becomes difficult for you, take a break, gather your reserves and resume when you can. Your frustration, as subtle as it may seem, is conveyed to the person who is also feeling frustrated and alone.

Resources:

The American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 159,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 50 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 58 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare.

Emily Carton, LISW is a licensed social worker.

Kristin Kopp, At Home Solutions, LLC,
952-292-5801
http://www.athomesolutionsllc.com/