How to Communicate with a Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s Care Agency, Islip, NY

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease comes with many challenges, but one of the most difficult — and important — is communication. As the disease progresses, the ability to express thoughts, follow conversations, or understand language can decline, leaving both the person with dementia and their family members feeling frustrated, confused, or disconnected.

Yet communication remains essential. It’s the key to expressing needs, maintaining dignity, and preserving relationships. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Alzheimer’s affects communication, strategies you can use to improve understanding, and how professional dementia care services — like those offered by Family First Home Companions — can help.

---

How Alzheimer’s Disease Affects Communication

Alzheimer’s gradually impacts the brain’s ability to process and express language. You may notice your loved one:

• Struggling to find the right words

• Repeating the same phrases or stories

• Losing their train of thought

• Speaking less or becoming withdrawn

• Becoming frustrated during conversations

• Misunderstanding what others are saying

These symptoms stem from damage to the brain’s language centers, particularly in the temporal and parietal lobes. As Alzheimer’s progresses, nonverbal communication—like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language—often becomes more important than words.

---

Tips for Communicating with a Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

1. Keep It Simple and Clear

Use short, straightforward sentences. Avoid jargon, sarcasm, or complex questions.

 Instead of: “What would you like to eat for lunch today—maybe a grilled cheese or something else?”
Try: “Would you like a grilled cheese sandwich?”

Speak slowly and clearly, and give your loved one time to respond.

---

2. Create a Calm Environment

Minimize background noise and distractions like the TV or radio. Make sure you have their full attention by gently saying their name and making eye contact.

Being in a familiar, comfortable setting — like the home — can also significantly improve their ability to engage. Learn more about our in-home dementia care services that create a safe, calm, and consistent environment.

---

3. Use Nonverbal Cues

Gestures, facial expressions, and touch can communicate reassurance, affection, and intention. Pointing, showing, or demonstrating may help your loved one understand what you mean.

Even a smile, nod, or gentle hand on the shoulder can offer emotional support when words fall short.

---

4. Be Patient and Listen Fully

It’s easy to interrupt or try to fill in the blanks when someone is struggling to speak—but resist the urge. Give your loved one plenty of time to find their words. If they can’t finish a thought, gently ask if they’d like help.

Sometimes it’s more important to focus on the emotion behind the words than the words themselves.

---

5. Avoid Arguing or Correcting

Your loved one may say things that aren’t true or ask repetitive questions. Correcting them can lead to agitation or embarrassment.

Instead of saying:
“You already asked me that!”
Try:
“That’s a good question. Let me tell you again.”

Redirect the conversation or offer reassurance if they’re confused or distressed.

---

6. Reminisce Rather Than Test Memory

It’s common to ask someone with Alzheimer’s, “Do you remember who this is?” or “What did we do yesterday?” — but these questions can feel like tests and cause frustration.

Instead, try reminiscing together using old photos, music, or familiar objects. Focus on connection, not correction.

Our trained caregivers at Family First Home Companions are experienced in using personalized activities and memory aids as part of our CareMatch Plus™ program, designed to promote positive engagement at home.

---

7. Establish Routines and Use Visual Aids

People with dementia often thrive on routine. Use calendars, notes, signs, and daily schedules to support communication and reduce confusion. Labeling doors or drawers (e.g., “clothes,” “bathroom”) can also help maintain independence.

Our caregivers work closely with families to establish routines that are supportive and consistent. Learn more about our caregiver services and how we can tailor them to your loved one’s needs.

---

8. Match Their Energy and Emotion

Meet your loved one where they are emotionally, even if their words don’t make logical sense. If they seem upset or anxious, respond with calmness and empathy.

Try phrases like:

• “I’m here for you.”

• “It’s okay. You’re safe.”

• “I understand.”

This emotional attunement helps reduce agitation and strengthens the bond between you.

---

When to Consider Professional Help

Communication challenges can become overwhelming for family caregivers, especially as the disease progresses. You may begin to feel burned out, helpless, or unsure of how to best meet your loved one’s needs.

Professional caregivers trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care can be a lifeline. At Family First Home Companions, our dementia care specialists:

• Use compassionate, individualized communication strategies

• Provide engaging activities tailored to the person’s abilities and interests

• Monitor behavioral changes and help prevent wandering or agitation

• Offer respite care so family members can rest and recharge

• Coordinate with healthcare professionals for more comprehensive support

Explore our Dementia Care Navigator program to learn how we can guide you and your loved one through each stage of the journey.

---

Local Dementia Support Resources (Long Island, NY)

If you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, here are local Alzheimer’s and dementia support resources that can help:

Alzheimer’s Association – Long Island Chapter

Offers support groups, educational programs, and 24/7 helpline
Website: www.alz.org/longisland
Phone: 1-800-272-3900

Parker Jewish Institute’s Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands

Free caregiving support and respite program in Nassau and Suffolk Counties
Website: www.parkerinstitute.org

Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center (ADRC)

Support groups, family consultation, and referrals
Website: www.adrcinc.org

Suffolk County Office for the Aging

Services for older adults including caregiver support
Website: Suffolk County Office for the Aging

Nassau County Office for the Aging

Community resources, transportation, legal assistance
Website: Nassau County Office for the Aging

For a full list of support programs, educational tools, and caregiver guides, visit our Resource Center at Family First Home Companions.

---

Final Thoughts

Communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s isn’t easy, but it is possible — and deeply meaningful. With patience, creativity, and support, you can maintain connection and comfort throughout every stage of the disease.

At Family First Home Companions, we understand the journey you’re on. Our caregivers are here to walk beside you, offering compassionate care and expert guidance every step of the way.

Ready to learn more about how we can help? Explore our in-home dementia care services or contact us today for a free consultation.

At Family First Home Companions of Long Island, NY our mission is to provide an outstanding home care service that is professional and personalized.  We diligently hire attentive, qualified staff to meet each client’s unique needs and do so with compassion and integrity.  It is an honor and a privilege to help seniors at home to maintain their independence and quality of life in Long Island, NY.  If you or a senior loved one needs help with daily activities such as, meal preparation, household chores, errands, transportation, guidance and supervision for safety at home, please call Family First Home Companions at 631-319-3961.

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve seniors at home in Albertson, Amityville, Babylon, Baldwin, Bayport, Bay Shore, Bayville, Bellerose Terrace, Bellmore, Bellport, Bethpage, Blue Point, Bohemia, Brentwood, Brightwaters, Brookhaven, Brookville, Calverton, Carle Place, Cedarhurst, Center Moriches, Centereach, Centerport, Central Islip, Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Copiague, Coram, Deer Park, Dix Hills, East Islip, East Marion, East Meadow, East Moriches, East Northport, East Norwich, East Patchogue, East Quogue, East Rockaway, East Setauket, Eastport, Elmont, Elwood, Farmingdale, Farmingville, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Freeport,  Garden City, Glen Head Glenwood Landing,  Great Neck, Great River, Greenlawn, Greenvale, Hampton Bays, Hauppauge, Hempstead, Hewlett, Hicksville, Holbrook, Holtsville, Huntington, Huntington Station, Inwood,  Island Park, Islandia, Islip, Islip Terrace, Jamesport, Jericho, Kings Park, Kings Point, Lake Grove, Lawrence, Levittown, Lindenhurst, Lloyd Harbor, Locust Valley, Lynbrook, Malverne, Manhasset, Manorville, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Medford, Melville, Merrick, Middle Island, Mill Neck, Miller Place, Mineola, Moriches, Mount Sinai, Nesconset, New Hyde Park, North Amityville, North Babylon, North Lynbrook, North New Hyde Park, North Patchogue, North Valley Stream, North Woodmere,  Northport, Oakdale, Oceanside, Old Bethpage, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Patchogue,  Plainview, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Port Washington, Quogue, , Ridge, Riverhead, Rockville Centre, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Roosevelt, Roslyn,  Roslyn Heights, Saint James, Sands Point, Sayville, Sea Cliff, Seaford, Selden, Shirley, Shoreham, Smithtown, Sound Beach, South Hempstead, Southampton, Stony Brook, Syosset, Uniondale, Upton, Valley Stream, Wading River, Wantagh, West Babylon, West Hempstead, West Islip, West Sayville, Westbury, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, Williston Park, Woodbury, Woodmere, Wyandanch, Yaphank