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Educating Your Friends and Family

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There is no right way to tell your family and friends about you or your loved ones Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. While you may be nervous of how they might react to the news, being open about you or your loved ones Alzheimer’s is necessary to

form a reliable support group for yourself and/or your loved one.

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• Consider sharing the diagnosis as a chance to educate your friends and family about Alzheimer’s Disease. Share articles and websites and explain how the disease will affect you or your loved one over time.

• Help your family and friends learn how to best interact with your loved one. Start by explaining what your loved one can still do and how much they still understand.

• Warn them against trying to correct your loved one when he or she makes a mistake or forgets something

• Remind visitors not to take it personally if your loved one does not recognize them, is unkind or becomes angry. Explain that they are acting out of confusion.  

• Encourage visitors to speak quietly and calmly and show your loved one respect. Ask them no to speak to your loved one as a child or get too close to their personal space.

• Plan visits around times when it the best time for the person with memory impairment is at their best. Suggest pleasant and engaging activities to do, such as looking through a family photo album, going to reunions or reminiscing about “old times”  

 

 

Don't forget to tell your friends and family members how they can help you care for your loved on. These connections can be your greatest sources of assistance and support throughout your care giving journey

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When to Hang up the Keys

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Alzheimer's disease can affect one’s ability to think clearly and make sound decisions. Both of these abilities are vital for driving safely. When your loved one no longer has the ability to drive safely, understand that he or she may not want to stop driving or recognize that there is a problem.  

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• Driving short distances on local streets during the day may not pose a danger, however, it’s more likely that unfamiliar areas or freeways, especially at night time will be more dangerous- consider limiting the times and places to which your loved on can drive.

• Signs that your loved one should stop driving, include new dents and scratches on the car, taking a longer amount of time to run a simple errand and get lost while driving.

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When Driving becomes Unsafe

• Talk to your loved one about concerns with their driving

• Take him or her to get a driving test

• Ask their doctor to discuss driving and potential health risks with your loved one.

• In extreme cases, make the care unable to drive by hiding the keys, moving the car or disconnecting the battery

• Ask friends and family to help drive- make a schedule to distribute the responsibility.

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Changes in Communication

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How to communicate effectively

Those with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss may have problems finding the right words to say or have trouble paying attention. If they get frustrated, it is important to be patient. Follow these tips to help make communication easier

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• Use a warm and inviting tone

• Maintain eye contact

• Do not speak in a “baby voice” or as if they are not here

• Remember that gentle touching while talking encourages positive communication

• Listen to concerns and do not interrupt

• If you are getting frustrated, take a break

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Say this instead of that:

• When pointing out mistakes, saying “let’s try this way” will be more positive

• Say “please do this” as opposed to “Don't do this”

• Ask yes or no questions

• Instead of asking “What would you like for dinner?” Limit the amount of choices. Ask, “Would you like____ for dinner?”

• Do not say “Do you remember?” or “I told you.” if they forget something that was said or done, simply tell them again as if it were new information

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