By: Deb Taylor, CEO
The day is seared into my memory – October 22, 2015. I was with my Mom at her doctor’s appointment where she was asked, “Who is with you today?” My mom looked at me and smiled, but she didn’t know me. She didn’t know my name. Mom had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease eight years earlier, and I knew the day would come when she would no longer recall the names of those most dear to her. I understood the disease, but experiencing its reality left me with feelings of sadness and grief.
Mom has always ‘been there’ for me: loving me, encouraging me, always accepting me for the person I am. I decided long ago that I must now lovingly reciprocate and ‘be there’ for my Mom. I had to learn how to communicate with her differently. It took an abundance of patience and understanding because foremost was her comfort and dignity.
Just recently Senior Community Services held a training for staff & volunteers on how to interact with people with memory loss. The trainer, Debbie Richman from the Alzheimer’s Association, gave us the 5 Rules for communicating with someone with Alzheimer’s:
- Don’t argue with her
- I am always wrong/She is always right
- Validate her reality/Meet her where she’s at
- Is it worth it
- Observe before I react
It was helpful to be reminded of the 5 Rules, because they make life a little better for Mom and me. I hope they are helpful to you, too
