Communicating

I just found these lines on Mayoclinic.com and think they can serve as wonderful reminders for all who are trying to communicate with someone who has "significant memory losses."

The 10 Absolutes:
Never argue; instead, agree.
Never reason; instead, distract.
Never shame; instead, distract.
Never lecture; instead, reassure.
Never say "remember,"
instead reminisce.

Cuidado--Be Careful!

Stores post various warnings to increase customers’ awareness of possible causes of accidents. They usually translate the signs into Spanish, at least in Texas. For the customers’ safety? Of course, but also for protection against litigation.

Caution—Wet Floor
Watch Your Step
Hold Handrail (Escalators & Stairways)
Do not leave child unattended in cart.
Children must be accompanied by adults.
Step Up
Step Down….

While we all should heed the warnings to avoid injury, the most serious danger is for the elderly. And, of course, within that group, those with Alzheimer’s. According to statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year 1.8 million Americans over age 65 are injured in falls. For some, “the fall sets off a downward spiral of physical and emotional problems—including pneumonia, depression, social isolation, infection and muscle loss—that become too much for their bodies.” (Dallas Morning News, Nov. 9, 2008)

One in five hip-fracture patients over age 65 dies within a year after surgery, and one in four has to spend a year or more in a nursing home. Any underlying conditions, like heart disease or respiratory problems, increase the chances of a downward health spiral.

We cannot be too careful when it comes to being “caregivers.” A good place to start is with an extended arm offered anytime your patient is unfamiliar with the territory. Of course, the amount of “unfamiliar” increases with time as the disease progresses. So what was once the politeness of an escort becomes an absolute necessity in the prevention of falls, not only in stores, but also in simply going in and out of doors and up and down steps to the front porch or to the back yard.

It's a fact: we cannot be too careful!

A Soft Answer...

Proverbs 15:1, states, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous (harsh) words stir up anger." (KJV) If you believe what the Bible says, you may have studied and recognized this verse for its truth long ago. I have found it to be an extremely useful reminder in times of stress while teaching school. And, believe me, those stressful times come often! It is an effective "management tool" when the voices get loud, for the person in charge to lower his or her voice.

But never is Solomon's wisdom more needed than when dealing with someone with Alzheimer's disease. If only everyone could recite this verse before responding to the patient whose anger is escalating. Caretakers, memorize it. Loved ones, quote it before walking into the room of your dear patient. Then, when the patient begins to rant, it will be easier to respond quietly with overtones of love in your voice.

Will it always work? Maybe not. We don't know what will work with this awful disease from day to day. But it may improve our own blood pressure reading!