Try: Be an active supportive listener allow the cr to talk don’t assume that you understand what the cr has said or meant verify by rephrasing and repeating what you hear look for nonverbal cues about what the cr may be feeling or trying to express simply be present with the cr as he she works through feelings of loss or anger acknowledge the cr’s feelings; don’t try to ‘fix’ negative feelings or dismiss them help identify the cr’s emotions realize that as finding words become difficult so will the cr’s ability to label his her emotions help the cr talk about emotions by identifying them for example try saying you must feel frustrated or you look sad it can be comforting to the older adult to know that his her feelings are acknowledged be aware of depression alzheimer’s disease as well as other mental disorders and depression have many symptoms such as feelings of worthlessness sadness crying refusing to ear or losing weight if you think the cr is depressed consult his her physicians if appropriate share your own feelings for example you could say i feel sad too but we’ll get through this together

Materials: n/a

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: Mace n & rabins p 1999 the 36-hour day baltimore the johns hopkins university press robinson a spencer b & white l 1992 understanding difficult behaviors ypsilanti mi eastern michigan university

Keywords: Emotions

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