In our Alzheimer’s care facility in Ohatchee, AL, we understand that it can be hard to communicate with the patients. That is why we have team members who are patient listeners.
We are proud to be able to provide such a wonderful environment for our patients and their families. When visiting our facility, it’s important for you to feel comfortable in your surroundings so that you can open up about how we can help you with the senior care needs of your loved one or family member who has Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related concerns.
At our Alzheimer’s care facility in Ohatchee, AL, we believe that listening is an important part of being able to offer the best possible level of service regarding caring for people with dementia issues. Here are some ways that we listen well:
Be Patient And Listen To The Story
It is important to be patient with an Alzheimer’s sufferer, as it can be hard for them to tell you what they want or need throughout your visit. You should ask questions that allow them to have their thoughts, feelings, and opinions heard so that you can better understand where they are coming from. For example: “What do you like about living here?” or “Tell me about the last time your grandkids visited here. Do they live far away?” These types of questions will help guide the conversation in a way that allows both parties to gain insight into each other’s needs while also encouraging conversation between both parties involved for one not just to learn more about someone else but also themselves as well!
Be Nonjudgmental
Being nonjudgmental means that you don’t pass judgment on other people. In other words, you accept everyone as they are and never try to change them. The opposite of this is being judgmental, which means that you think some people are better than others and that their differences should be changed.
Be Alert And Ask Questions
In order to be a good listener, you must also be alert and ask questions. The questions you ask help you clarify the meaning of what is said, find out more about the speaker’s concerns, help them think of solutions, and get more information about their thoughts and feelings.
These questions can be short or long; they can be simple or complex. Just remember that it is important to listen carefully so that you will understand exactly what they are saying.
Help The Speaker Find Solutions
While it can be challenging to understand what a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is saying, there are ways to help them communicate. A good listener will ask questions that help the speaker find solutions to problems. For example, if your loved one is having difficulty finding his way around town and getting lost, you might ask him what he would do if he were having trouble finding his way home. This allows him to focus on what he wants to achieve and think of possible solutions instead of feeling hopeless about his situation. Your job as a caregiver is to provide physical and emotional support by listening carefully when family members speak about their troubles or concerns.
Allow Them To Have Their Thoughts, Feelings, And Opinions
For example, if the patient is angry at their spouse or caregiver and you try to change or judge them, they will feel less comfortable talking with you. Let it go if one does not want to talk about something because it makes them uncomfortable. You can ask questions like, “How are things going?” Or “What do you think of this?” This way, they can still have their thoughts and feelings but not be forced into an uncomfortable situation.
Conclusion
Following these simple rules can help your loved one with Alzheimer’s feel comfortable and engaged in conversation. By being a good listener, you’ll be able to understand better what is happening inside their head and provide support when needed.
