4 Ways to Reassure a Senior With Alzheimer’s
Elder Care Haverford
Seniors who have Alzheimer’s often need reassurance from the people around them. Often they are trying to make sense of the situation that they’re in, and they are looking for clues on what kind of behavior is appropriate in a situation because they may not be sure how to act. They also may not be entirely sure of where they are or who the person with them is, depending on how far advanced their Alzheimer’s is. It’s essential to provide reassurance, so your senior parent doesn’t feel anxious or upset.
If your senior loved one has elder care at home, the elder care provider who is working with your senior parent may be able to suggest some specific techniques that work for your senior parent. But you can also try any of these methods that can help provide the reassurance that your senior parent needs:
Through Tone
Your tone is critical. Your senior loved one with Alzheimer’s may have trouble understanding your words or following the sentences you are saying when they talk to them, but they will understand your tone. If you are annoyed or irritated and sound annoyed or irritated, your senior parent assumes that they have done or said something wrong or inappropriate. So it’s essential to keep your tone warm or neutral when talking to your senior loved one. If you are feeling annoyed or irritated, take a deep breath before you speak and make sure when you do speak, it’s with a positive or neutral tone.
Reassuring Words
Another way to reassure your senior loved one when anxious is to use reassuring words or approving words when you speak to them. Agree with something they said, or thank them for doing something. You can also praise them for doing something like taking a drink, choosing a sweater, or picking up a sock. Speaking approval and praise is essential. It will let your senior loved one know they are safe and doing the correct or appropriate thing.
Gentle Touch
A gentle or reassuring touch on the shoulder or the hand can also be a comforting gesture. When upset or looking for approval, gently pat their hand or shoulder. Just ensure that your senior loved one isn’t surprised by your touch, or it could be upsetting. Do it slowly and carefully when you touch them, so you don’t surprise them.
Smile And Facial Expression
A smile is another fool-proof way to reassure a senior with Alzheimer’s. A smile and an approving look can go a long way. These are precisely the kinds of cues they will look for when they are talking to you. You can use any of these methods to reassure your senior parent. Or you can combine several of them. It will help to signal that they are ok and don’t need to be anxious or upset.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Haverford, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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