Compassionate Communication with the Memory-Impaired
by Liz Ayres
A Volunteer of the Alzheimer's Association and Former Caregiver
DON'T
Don’t reason.
Don’t argue.
Don’t confront.
Don’t remind them they forget.
Don’t question recent memory.
Don’t take it personally.
DO
Give short, one-sentence explanations.
Allow plenty of time for comprehension, then triple it.
Repeat instructions or sentences exactly the same way.
Eliminate 'but' from your vocabulary; substitute 'nevertheless.'
Avoid insistence. Try again later
Agree with them or distract them to a different subject or activity
Accept blame when something’s wrong (even if it’s fantasy).
Leave the room, if necessary, to avoid confrontations.
Respond to feelings rather than words
Be patient cheerful and reassuring. Do go with the flow.
Practice 100% forgiveness. Memory loss progresses daily.
My appeal to you: Please. elevate your level of generosity and graciousness.
Remember
You can’t control memory loss, only your reaction to it. Compassionate communication will significantly heighten the quality of life
by Liz Ayres
A Volunteer of the Alzheimer's Association and Former Caregiver
DON'T
Don’t reason.
Don’t argue.
Don’t confront.
Don’t remind them they forget.
Don’t question recent memory.
Don’t take it personally.
DO
Give short, one-sentence explanations.
Allow plenty of time for comprehension, then triple it.
Repeat instructions or sentences exactly the same way.
Eliminate 'but' from your vocabulary; substitute 'nevertheless.'
Avoid insistence. Try again later
Agree with them or distract them to a different subject or activity
Accept blame when something’s wrong (even if it’s fantasy).
Leave the room, if necessary, to avoid confrontations.
Respond to feelings rather than words
Be patient cheerful and reassuring. Do go with the flow.
Practice 100% forgiveness. Memory loss progresses daily.
My appeal to you: Please. elevate your level of generosity and graciousness.
Remember
You can’t control memory loss, only your reaction to it. Compassionate communication will significantly heighten the quality of life
Used with permission from Ellen Warner at Ageless Design
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