Communication can become difficult when a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, creating a challenge when trying to manage their medical visits and emergencies. We provide the tips on how to maintain these affairs.
As a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s an important role is being an advocate for them. Being able to assist with communication, such as mediating between family and medical professionals. During these situations it’s important that the loved one with dementia remains calm and comfortable.
How To Manage Medical Visits
Caregivers should help in making appointments go smoothly and aid in communication between the doctor and patient.
Choose the Right Time: Make appointments for the time of day that your loved one is most lucid. Also, it’s best to avoid times that can be busy at the office. Let the staff know that you are coming in with someone who has Alzheimer’s, so they are aware ahead of time.
Bringing Comfort to the Situation: Making your loved one feels comfortable in the situation will make it easier and more relaxed. Show positivity about the appointment and even lighten the situation by bringing along snacks and an enjoyable activity.
Plan Ahead: Be prepared by having the necessary information for the appointment. This information includes medical history, list of medications, and any changes in behavior. Bring a list to ask the doctor any questions or concerns, writing them down beforehand.
Write Down what the Doctor Says: The doctor can help in answering questions for clarification or things you don’t understand. Take notes on treatment goals and advance planning, writing down the important information.
How to Handle an Emergency
Be prepared for an emergency by having an emergency checklist and an operation of what to do in case of a serious situation. Below are tips on what to do during these times:
Maintain Calm: Keeping a positive and calm mindset will help your loved one to not get frightened or confused. Acting frantic can make it difficult to get them to a safe situation because they will become overwhelmed and distressed.
Be Understanding: A person with Alzheimer’s takes longer to process information. Cognitive dysfunction may cause them to ask the same question repeatedly about the emergency situation. Be patient and allow them to be aware of what is going on.
Be There for Them: The first concern in an emergency situation is getting them to safety or medical treatment. Stay with them for support because it provides a sense of safety. Also, keep them oriented and provide critical information to the doctor.
How to be an Advocate
One of the most efficient ways to allow understanding is having effective communication between the patient and doctor. These communication methods can be avoiding distractions, speaking in a clear and warm voice, and talking about one thing at a time. Even arranging a seating situation with the patient sitting by the doctor and you a little beyond to give the doctor nonverbal cues. The most important things to remember are being patient, loving, and understanding of someone with Alzheimer’s. They process things differently, so we have to keep that in mind especially in how we communicate with them.
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Fairmont Grand is a resident centered senior living and memory care facility in Rapid City, SD. Our goal is to create an environment where resident well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
Our wide range of services are designed to meet you or your loved one’s daily needs. We offer restaurant style dining options, a variety of physical activities, and give residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
If you or a loved one near Rapid City, South Dakota are considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand to learn more about individualized living options or tour our community.
