The words we use with people with Alzheimer's carry a lot of weight and can make their day better.
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| A reassuring word or a moment of appreciation goes a long way for someone with Alzheimer's. |
Persons with Alzheimer's struggle to feel worthwhile. Often, they know that their memory is slipping. they feel they are losing themselves, little by little.
As a loved one or caretaker, it's important to reinforce positive feelings about themselves and their contributions.
Many people who have Alzheimer's were bread-winners, patriarchs or matriarchs, respected leaders, and more. While they might have days where they forget all of that, they usually have just as many where they compare who they are now to who they used to be.
- Be reassuring.
- Be appreciative.
- Be attentive.
- Be complimentary.
Even if they know they're being fibbed to a bit, it still feels good and lets their egos have a little jolt, or they can be reassured that someone they love and trust will be there through the scary parts of the day.
Jolene Brackey in her book, "Creating Moments of Joy," she lists magic words and phrases that people with Alzheimer's appreciate and respond to.
Brackey's list shows you some of the types of phrases you can use that convey ideas and emotions to those who have Alzheimer's.
In quotation marks are Brackey's suggestions. In italics, we've expanded with some thoughts on what the person hearing it might understand it to mean.
"I will be here all day." - You have time. I am not in a hurry.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of it." - You don't have to worry about it. It's being taken care of.
"If you need anything, just let me know." - I'm here to help.
"I do silly things like that, too." - You're not alone. Everyone makes mistakes.
"Between the two of us, we will be okay." - We're in this together.
"You are pretty special." - You may be different but you are still you.
"Wow, you are so smart!" - You are still able to say and do great things.
"Thank you. I couldn't have done it without you." - You're a vital part of my world and I need you.
"That's a good idea. I'll have to try that." - Your idea is good enough for me to steal it.
"You always look out for me." - You're still great enough that I need you to protect me.
"Hey, Ornery! Are you staying out of trouble?" - We can laugh about your angry moods.
"Hello, Handsome!" - I still think you're good-looking and worth noticing.
Share ideas you have for speaking to people with Alzheimer's.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/joyful-adult-daughter-greeting-happy-surprised-senior-mother-in-garden-3768131/