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Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide (cont.)

Communicating with a Person with Alzheimer's Disease

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Trying to communicate with a person who has Alzheimer's disease can be a challenge. Both understanding and being understood may be difficult.

  • Choose simple words and short sentences and use a gentle, calm tone of voice.

  • Avoid talking to the person with Alzheimer's like a baby or talking about the person as if he or she weren't there.

  • Minimize distractions and noise—such as the television or radio—to help the person focus on what you are saying.

  • Make eye contact and call the person by name, making sure you have his or her attention before speaking.

  • Allow enough time for a response. Be careful not to interrupt.

  • If the person with Alzheimer's is struggling to find a word or communicate a thought, gently try to provide the word he or she is looking for.

  • Try to frame questions and instructions in a positive way.

  • Be open to the person's concerns, even if he or she is hard to understand.

Bathing a Person with Alzheimer's Disease

While some people with Alzheimer's disease don't mind bathing, for others it is a frightening, confusing experience. Advance planning can help make bath time better for both of you.

  • Plan the bath or shower for the time of day when the person is most calm and agreeable. Be consistent. Try to develop a routine.

  • Respect the fact that bathing is scary and uncomfortable for some people with Alzheimer's. Be gentle and respectful. Be patient and calm.

  • Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step, and allow him or her to do as much as possible.

  • Prepare in advance. Make sure you have everything you need ready and in the bathroom before beginning. Draw the bath ahead of time.

  • Be sensitive to the temperature. Warm up the room beforehand if necessary and keep extra towels and a robe nearby. Test the water temperature before beginning the bath or shower.

  • Minimize safety risks by using a handheld showerhead, shower bench, grab bars, and nonskid bath mats. Never leave the person alone in the bath or shower.

  • Try a sponge bath. Bathing may not be necessary every day. A sponge bath can be effective between showers or baths.

Patient Comments

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Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver - Experience Question: Please describe your experience with an Alzheimer's disease patient.
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Diagnosis Question: Has a friend or relative been diagnosed with Alzheimer's? Please share your story.
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Communicating Question: Please share tips for communicating with a relative or friend who has Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Eating Question: Getting an Alzheimer's patient to eat can be difficult. Please share tips for meal ideas and routines.
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Activities Question: In what ways do you help your friend or loved one with Alzheimer's stay active and engaged?
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Sleeping Question: Do you deal with a restless Alzheimer's patient? How do you make sure he/she gets sleep at night?
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Wandering Question: Alzheimer's patients tend to wander. What steps have you taken to ensure his/her safety?
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Nursing Homes Question: At some point an Alzheimer's patient will need assisted or residential care. How did you select one?
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