Coach Broyles' Playbook

Diane mentioned Mom’s difficulty with language in her last article. Communication is getting more difficult for her every time we are with her. Yes, she has alert times when she remembers quite a bit. However, the actual calling up of the right word she needs is difficult as well as frustrating for her.

Recently a friend handed me a book to read entitled Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers. It is a “practical tips guide” written by the University of Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles whose wife suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease.

In discussing how communication changes in the Middle Stage of the disease, he offers several tips for the caregiver. He states,

You may have seen that she does not talk like she used to. She is having more trouble finding words. Her sentences are short and choppy. The loudness of her voice may have changed. Her words may not make any sense. This is called “word salad.” As you listen, you know she is trying hard to tell you what she wants. The words just come out wrong.

Communication Tips

• Be patient and calm
• Touch (holding hands) is very important.
• Don’t use baby talk.
• Stop what you are doing. Really listen to what she is trying to say.
• Think about the feelings behind the words she is trying to say.
• Look at what her body is trying to tell you.
• If she looks upset or angry, then ask her if she is.
• Treat her with dignity and respect.
• Say exactly what you want her to do.
• Use ordinary words. Instead of saying “Hop in the bed,” say “Please get in the bed.”
• Turn your questions into answers for her. Instead of “Do you need to go to the bathroom?” say, “The bathroom is right over there. I can walk with you.”

A Few More Suggestions:

• Don’t argue with her. It is easier to agree with her and then do what you had planned anyway.
• Don’t try to reason with her. You will just get angry and she won’t know why. Change what you are talking about to something she likes.
• Don’t correct or fuss at her for getting something wrong. Does it really matter? It will only make her feel bad.
• Don’t say “I just told you that.” Just repeat the answer you have already given to her.
• Don’t ask her to “remember” things that happened in the past. Talk about what you remember happening and how she was a part of it.

You may find as time passes that she will not be able to start a talk with you. She may not ask many questions either. She may sit or walk around the room and say nothing unless you begin talking to her first.

Thank you, Coach Broyles, for sharing wisdom gained from your experience.


For Playbook copies and Alzheimer’s disease information:
www.alz.org
24-hour helpline—800-272-3900 (toll-free)
Playbook on the Web: www.alzheimersplaybook.com