Changes in Communication Skills

As dementia progresses, an individual will begin to have memory issues.  They may have trouble finding the right word or lose their train of thought when trying to speak.  The meanings of words or phrases may be forgotten, and they may have difficulty paying attention and staying focused during a long conversation.  Other changes you may notice in your loved one include:

-Using familiar words repeatedly

-Substituting words

-Describing objects instead of calling them by name

-Mixing unrelated ideas or phrases

-Speaking less often

-Reverting to a native/first language

-Relying more on gestures than words

Communication Tips

Alzheimer’s and dementia affect every individual differently, so it’s important to not make assumptions on how a person can or cannot communicate.  Listening well and learning about your loved one’s own ability will help guide you on how to best communicate with them.  Below are a few tips you can apply to make communication easier.

Be Patient – Speaking with your loved one will take more time than it used to.  Give space for them to respond and allow extra time to listen without interruption.  If they repeat themselves, respond with patience.  Speak slowly and clearly.  

Keep it Simple – Speak with short sentences.  As the disease progresses, try to only ask questions that require a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer and ask only one question at a time.  If asking an individual to complete a task, break the instruction down into simple steps they can follow.

Stay Respectful – Don’t exclude your loved one from conversation just because they have a diagnosis, and avoid talking about them as if they were not present.   Encourage two-way conversations with them for as long as they are able, and be open to their concerns, even if they have a hard time communicating them.

Reduce Distractions – When possible, limit background noise and visual distractions, like those from a television, when trying to speak with your loved one.  Creating a calm and quiet environment will help them hear and concentrate on what is being said.

Remain Connected – Giving an individual your undivided attention will encourage them to communicate with you.  Hold their hand, call them by name, and make eye contact when engaging in conversation.

Avoid Arguing – It will not be beneficial to try and correct mistakes that your loved one may make.  If they say something you don’t agree with, avoid arguing.  Instead of criticizing or correcting, listen to their concerns to understand what they may be trying to communicate.

Use Nonverbals – As time goes on, your loved one may need to rely more on nonverbal communication.  If they are having trouble coming up with a word, ask them to point to the object or gesture.  Sometimes visual cues can help an individual understand what is being said.  For example, showing them a glass while asking if they want a drink, instead of just asking the question verbally, can help get your point across.

Give Grace – Trying to converse with someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, especially in the later stages, can be difficult.  Give yourself and your loved one grace as you navigate the disease.  If you find yourself frustrated, take a moment to take a break.

If communication gets too challenging, it’s okay if you don’t know what to say.  Spending time with your loved one, giving a reassuring touch, or letting them listen to the comforting sound of your voice can mean so much.  Your support, love, and friendship are more important than any words that may be spoken.

Memory Care at Snyder Village

Snyder Village, a life plan community in Metamora, IL, has two unique Memory Care programs for individuals facing Alzheimer’s or dementia.  The staff know firsthand the challenges of communicating with individuals whose abilities have changed.  Amanda Yetter, Activities Director at Snyder Village Health Center, stresses the importance of empathy when trying to communicate. “Remember that most people with dementia cannot do two things at once (i.e. eating and talking), and they can get overwhelmed very easily,” says Amanda. 

“Each resident is unique,” explains Jessica Beyer, BSW, Memory Care Coordinator at Snyder Village. “Communication is imperative.  Communication can be verbal and nonverbal, and it’s important to be patient, pick up on nonverbal cues, keep questions simple, don’t overwhelm or talk down, show respect, and try to comfort those with dementia.  We want to ensure that each resident is treated with dignity, respect, and that their individuality is recognized and celebrated!”

Snyder Village is located at 1200 East Partridge in Metamora, IL. If you wish to schedule a tour, please call Kim Linehan, Admission Liaison, at (309) 366-4132.

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Q) What is home care?

A) Home Care is a service that enables individuals to remain in their own home while professional caregivers assist with daily tasks to help maintain the independence the individual desires.  A home care service provides help with personal grooming (bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.), meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, and transportation for errands or appointments.  A home care service differs from a home health care service in that it provides only non-medical care. It does not provide medical services like therapy, skilled nursing care, administrating of medications or injections, medical testing, pain management, or wound care.

Q) Why would someone use home care?

A)  The services provided by a home care agency help an individual remain independent and in their own home as long as possible.  Having access to a reliable caregiver brings peace of mind knowing that help is available if and when it’s needed.  Home care services are often used by individuals who are aging and need assistance to live independently, those who are managing chronic health issues, those who are recovering from a medical setback, or those with special needs.

Q) Who comes into my home to provide the care?

A) A reputable home care agency will have professional caregivers who are trained and insured.  At Snyder Village Home Care, each employee is screened and administered a background check before hiring.  Personalities are also taken into consideration, as Snyder Village Home Care works with the client to find a caregiver whose personality and interests blend well with the client’s.  “After two or three visits to the client from our caregiver, we will check in with the client and the family to see if it’s a good match,” explains Deb Albertson, Snyder Village Home Care Director.  “So much of it is if their personalities blend.”  

Q) Can you only use home care services in a private residence?

A)  A home care agency can provide care wherever home may be.  Most often it is in a private residence, but care can also be provided for someone residing in a senior living facility or in a temporary living situation, such as staying with friends or family.

Q) How do you pay for home care?

A)  Payment options accepted by a home care agency will vary from company to company.  Most commonly, individuals pay directly for the services they receive, which is referred to as “private pay.”  Some services may be covered by certain insurance plans.  Medicaid or Veterans benefits can also help cover the expense for some individuals.  Most home care agencies will charge an hourly fee and have a minimum number of service hours required.  

Q) How long does home care last?

A) The relationship between a home care agency and a client is unique to each individual and based on his/her needs.  Some may only need to use home care services for a short time during recovery from an injury or medical setback, while others may need a more robust and long-term care plan.  A home care agency can send a caregiver to a home for just a few hours once a week or for daily, around-the-clock care.  When initially setting up services with a reputable agency, the staff will develop an individualized care plan with the number of hours needed for your care.

“In some cases, our professionals go in and provide coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and in other cases, we have just helped out with transportation, like running to the grocery store or taking them to a doctor’s appointment,” explains Deb Albertson, Snyder Village Home Care Director.  

With more people wanting to remain in their homes longer, the demand for home care is growing.  It’s easy to understand the appeal – with the freedom and individualized service home care provides.  It’s worth making a phone call to a reputable agency today to see if home care is the right solution for you.   

Snyder Village Home Care provides a helping hand to individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties.  Call Snyder Village Home Care at (309) 367-2300 for more information and to schedule a no-cost, in-home consultation.  

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If you’ve identified that your parent or loved one needs extra help, you may wonder what your next step should be and what to expect from a home care service.  A simple phone call can begin the process.  At Snyder Village, our home care team will begin by asking several questions about your loved one’s needs to learn which services would help the most.  A home assessment will then be scheduled, where a Snyder Village case manager will come to the home to meet you and your loved one.  During the assessment, the case manager will inspect the home for any potential dangers (tripping hazards, mobility barriers, etc.), assess the individual and his/her needs, discuss pricing, and set up a schedule and care plan.  

A home care service differs from a home health care service in that it provides only non-medical care. It does not provide medical services like therapy, skilled nursing care, administrating of medications or injections, medical testing, pain management, or wound care.  Rather, home care services include personal grooming (help with bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.), meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders, and transportation for errands or appointments.  Companionship is also offered through activities that your loved one enjoys such as playing cards, doing puzzles, or simply conversation.

Once the in-home assessment is complete and a care plan has been created, a service agreement will be signed.  All parties involved will have agreed on a schedule, a care plan outlining which tasks will be completed by the caregiver(s), and payment options.  Most home care services require private pay; however, many times Veteran’s benefits and long-term care insurance may help cover the cost.  With home care service from Snyder Village, you can expect to have your loved one and their property treated with respect and courtesy.  Snyder Village will assume the liability of the caregiver, provide day-to-day supervision of the caregiver, and take responsibility of the caregiver’s employment taxes and compensation.

Once the service agreement has been signed, Snyder Village Home Care will assign a trained caregiver for your loved one (or multiple caregivers if extra service is needed).  “The client can interview our caregivers themselves if they want, or we will send who we think will be the best fit for that person,” explains Deb Albertson, Snyder Village Home Care Director.  “After two or three visits to the client from our caregiver, we will check in with the client and the family to see if it’s a good match.  So much of it is if their personalities blend.  We give our caregivers as much information as possible about the client to help them get an understanding of their personality and interests.  For example, if the client is a big baseball fan, we tell the caregiver and that becomes something they can bond over.”

Margo Tennis, a Snyder Village Home Care client, appreciates the help that home care has been providing since she broke her arm.  “They help me with little things like peeling oranges, slicing apples, and getting my mail – things around the house that have become hard since breaking my arm.  And they take care of my dusting and clean my bathroom,” says Margo. “It’s so nice to have people come and do part of your routine that you don’t even have to think about.”   

Trained caregivers can ease stress for everyone involved by not only taking care of household duties, provide transportation, or help with hygiene and personal care, but they can also be a companion with a listening ear who can offer emotional and intellectual engagement.

“As we get older, we need more help, and home care helps my husband with activities of daily living,” says Margo.  “They’ll coach him through shaving and brushing his teeth and help him with showering and getting clothes on.  It’s really nice to have caregivers that he’s familiar with and who know his routine.  They even schedule enough time so they can watch baseball with him because he loves that… We love the caregivers who come here,” she explains.  “They (Snyder Village) send us really good people.  That’s the main thing.” 

Snyder Village in Metamora is a life plan community that offers independent living in its retirement cottages and apartments.  Beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy are also available on campus.  Its home care services support individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties.  For more information on Snyder Village Home Care, call (309) 367-2300 or click here.

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