Try: Communicate in a caring way observe cr’s non-verbal cues to indicate well-being or illness; respond verbally to cr’s cues stating the message you think cr is sending and then state your response match your voice to cr’s demeanor – e g a soft voice if cr is resting quiet an animated voice if cr is awake and interacting etc explain care out loud as it is given use caring touch to reinforce words employ many sensory stimulation techniques use touch texture humming singing music familiar sounds and smells to reassure cr and maintain his her connection to the world talk to cr when outside his her field of vision to avoid activating the startle reflex – especially before touching or moving cr from behind

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Medical Physical, Personal, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: planning guide for dementia care at home a reference tool for care managers by the alzheimer’s association, south central wisconsin chapter the wisconsin alzheimer’s institute and the wisconsin bureau of aging and long term care resources division of disability and elder services department of health and family services 2004 available at www dhs wisconsin gov

Keywords: Nonverbal communication mumbles makes sounds to communicate trouble understanding slurred speech body language reading facial expressions can’t talk anymore

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Speak slowly and clearly not loudly cr can still hear one person at a time being aphasic in a roomful of people is like having that many televisions all set to different channels at the same time it it’s impossible confusing and upsetting to follow any one plot assume cr can understand and don’t say anything negative or what you wouldn’t want cr to hear in front of cr encourage cr to talk even if the words aren’t correct or are just repeating what you say not talking for fear of embarrassment is worse than trying and not doing it well try not to answer for cr as practice is necessary for improvement often people who cannot speak can sing play music like golden oldies or something that will personally stimulate cr like a holiday carol or i left my heart in san francisco if you’re one of the rare breed who can sing the national anthem go for it keep the tv on especially when there there’s no one around if you have the tv option for captions of words being spoken use it – it it’s a good stimulus for the brain

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm

Information: n/a

References: stroke caregiver’s handbook by joyce dreslin no date available at www strokesafe org

Keywords: Aphasia communication trouble speaking trouble finding the right words verbal verbalization talking slurred speech

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Try using a call bell like those at hotel desks bicycle horn or other noisemaker so that cr can signal that he she needs or wants something a laser pointer can be useful for cr to point to something he she wants or needs try using a pictorial dictionary basic letter boards and picture boards to help cr express his her needs these can be made with a computer using large type and clip art elementary school flash cards can be used in a variety of ways to help cer communicate as well try using index cards to help cr communicate most commonly needed items and expressions bedpan water thank you sorry i love you help laminate them to last longer try putting labels on all objects in the room that cr may want to use telephone lamp tv glass book name everything you touch as you use it aphasiacs frequently lose the names of objects or numbers they may call everything a key or person person’s name and although they know dinner is at six they may call it ten o’clock

Materials: Call bell bicycle horn or other noisemaker laser pointer pictorial dictionary basic letter boards picture boards elementary school flash cards index cards adhesive lables black marker

Categories: Sage, Topic, Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Medical Physical, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm

Information: n/a

References: stroke caregiver’s handbook by joyce dreslin no date available at www strokesafe org

Keywords: Aphasia communication trouble speaking trouble finding the right words verbal verbalization talking slurred speech

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Plan meals and snacks to include cr cr’s favorite foods use a variety of foods from each of the four food groups prepare foods that provide a variety of texture color and temperature provide a pleasant setting ilike flowers place mats matching dishes good lighting

Materials: Floral arrangement place mats matching dishes

Categories: Sage, Topic, Cognitive Intellectual, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Personal

Information: n/a

References: caregiver’s handbook by the caregiver education and support services seniors counseling and training case management services of the san diego county mental health services no date available at www acsu buffalo edu

Keywords: Eating habits healthy diet nutrition meal time

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Is the cr a loud and or regular snorer had the cr been observed to gasp or stop breathing during sleep does the cr feel tired or groggy upon awakening or awakens with a headache does the cr often feel tired or fatigued during the wake time hours does the cr fall asleep sitting reading watching tv or driving does the cr have problems with memory or concentration

Materials: n/a

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Helpguide org

Keywords: Sleep problems snoring sleep apnea

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Make sure cr is able to hear when others are talking to him her approach cr from the front so cr isn’t startled make sure confusion distraction and noise are at a minimum speak slowly and clearly using a lower pitch voice will help to convey a sense of calm use short simple familiar words and sentences be aware of tone of voice when speaking to cr cr can sense others’ emotions through their tone ask only one question at a time and give cr time to respond speak positively by avoiding don’ts and avoiding direct orders it may be helpful to communicate a request by drawing pointing or touching things ignore harmless hallucinations or delusions respond with reassurance rather than confrontation it may be helpful to redirect cr to another activity if it seems that cr is not paying attention try to talk to him her again in a few minutes use non-verbal communication such as a smile touch or hug non-verbal communication serves to reinforce verbal communication or to communicate when cr can no longer understand words

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Medical Physical, Hearing, Good Hearing, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm

Information: n/a

References: communicating with your loved one who has alzheimer’s by mayo clinic on alzheimer alzheimer’s disease petersen ronald ed 2002 available at www christianacare org

Keywords: Communication slurred speech trouble understanding communicate nonverbal communication conversation speeking tone of voice cognitive cognition

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Listen for what is felt as well as said when we listen we connect more deeply to our own needs and emotions and to those of other people make conflict resolution the priority rather than winning the argument maintaining and strengthening the relationship rather than winning the argument should always be your first priority be respectful of the cr’s viewpoints focus on the present if you’re holding on to old hurts and resentments you won’t be able to focus on issues at hand rather than looking to the past and assigning blame work on the present problems pick your battles conflicts can be draining so it’s important to consider whether the issue is really worthy of your time and energy be willing to forgive resolving conflict is impossible if you’re unwilling or unable to forgive the cr let things go if you can’t come to an agreement agree to disagree it takes two people to keep an argument going be the bigger person and move on

Materials: n/a

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: Helpguide org

Keywords: Conflict resolution conflict

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Repetition they can repeat the message the person is making verbally contradiction they can contradict a message the individual is trying to convey substitution they can substitute for a verbal message for example a person person’s eyes can often convey a far more vivid message than words and often do complementing they may add to or complement a verbal message a boss who pats a person on the back in addition to giving praise can increase the impact of the message accenting they may accent or underline a verbal message pounding the table for example can underline a message

Materials: n/a

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Social

Information: n/a

References: Helpguide org

Keywords: Body language communication nonverbal

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: If you have only limited travel experience and are not comfortable with all modes of travel consider asking someone else who has more travel experience and knowledge to accompany and assist the cr with the trip make sure you know exactly how much of your time will be devoted to the care giving role and how much time you will have on your own discuss expenses with the cr before you leave on the trip make an agreement about what specific expenses will be covered by the cr and which ones will be your responsibility communicate thoroughly regarding what travel arrangements need to be made and who will take care of them some of the details to plan include the travel itinerary transportation lodging reservations directions and special needs at airports other important details include and any medical

Materials: n/a

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Financial, Maintenance, Medical Physical, Personal, Social, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: That should be taken on the trip along with medications and medical equipment decide who is going to pay for the meals and set a cap or limit on the price of each meal to avoid confusion or resentment during the trip before you leave on the trip agree with the cr that unforeseen challenges will be discussed openly and honestly this may help you come up with a temporary solution that keeps the trip from being disrupted try to make arrangements for you to have some time off from care giving each day if possible when you get back home share your photos from the trip with the cr and consider giving him or her a set as well discuss all of the fun that you had on the trip and your shared experiences information

References: Adapted from www disaboom com

Keywords: Travel communication transportation reservations

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Volunteer join a club or social group visit your local community center or senior center take group classes such as at the gym or a community college reach out over the phone or email keep a regular schedule to contact friends and family join a social network such as facebook get to know your neighbors make a weekly date with friends get out go to the movies the park museums and other public places

Materials: n/a

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Social

Information: n/a

References: Helpguide org

Keywords: Dementia dementia prevention social interaction

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed