Communicating with a loved one or friend who has Alzheimer’s or another form dementia can be challenging, both for the person with dementia as well as for someone trying to communicate with them.

It’s important to treat people with dementia as adults and to be respectful, always.

“Understanding how to connect and communicate with our loved ones is very important,” said Memory Care Navigator Sherry Wagoner, B.S.N. Sun Health’s Memory Care Navigators can provide a few tips and techniques to allow for a more positive interaction for all.

While everyone progresses differently, there are many common communication challenges, including confusion, repetition, disorganized speech, difficulty finding the right word or words to say, sometimes inventing words and perhaps reverting to a native language from the past.

Knowing that the person with dementia has a disease that impacts their ability to communicate and is not trying to be annoying is important. A few important tips include:

Having patience and empathy is key to helping reduce confusion and frustration for everyone;

Avoid interrupting the person while they are speaking;

Do not correct or criticize the person. If necessary, try to repeat what they said if it is important to clarify something;

Empathize with them and tell the person it’s okay if they are having difficulties with speaking; and

Treat the person as an adult and do not speak to them as if they were a child.

If you or a friend or loved one is experiencing communication challenges like this, Sun Health invites you to attend Communication Tips for Dementia, presented by Ms. Wagoner as part of Sun Health’s Healthy Living classes at at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church in Sun City West.

While the class is offered at no cost, registration is required by calling 623-207-1703.

Sun Health’s Memory Care Navigator program can help those with memory loss and their family members and friends to identify support, services and resources that may be helpful in navigating the dementia journey. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 623-832-9300, or visit Sun Health Memory Care.

The service is provided at no charge to clients through the generosity of Sun Health Foundation donors, and is supported by USAA, Sundt Foundation and the John F. Long Foundation.

Editor's Note: Sun Health’s Wellness Program is partnering with the Daily Independent for a semi-regular Monday series about Memory Care, called “Memory Care Monday.”