How to Help a Senior with Memory Loss

Imagine a world without the rigors of aging. No mobility and memory loss issues. No situation where the older adult you love forgets everything about themselves and you.

Sadly, we live in a world where memory fails with age. Watching this gradual cognitive decline occur in the ones you love can be distressing.

Try these techniques to help a senior you love with their memory loss issues:

1. Take detailed notes.

As you notice changes in brain function, keep track of specific examples. The time and day they forgot to brush their teeth.

How often do they think they lost their glasses without actually losing them? Suppose it’s getting worse by the day?

● It will help you give a detailed report of their situation to a medical professional. Note what may have triggered the memory loss. Was it because of the loss of a loved one? Did it start after a fall or an accident? Have they made a big move or changed their surroundings recently?

● Have they started or stopped taking medication? It can help identify ways to reverse or get treatment to manage the symptoms.

2. Encourage them to see a doctor.

Memory loss may result because of urinary infection or pneumonia. When you notice a decline in their cognitive functions, help them get a medical diagnosis. Encourage them to make an appointment or make one for them.

● Ask them if they would like you to accompany them or would prefer to go with another relative or a close friend. Getting a medical diagnosis will aid in effective treatment.

3. Treat them with respect.

You don’t want to undermine them or make them feel like they are not in their right minds. When you see a doctor together, avoid talking over the senior because you think you are in a better position to explain the situation. Allow them to talk.

● The interaction will help the doctor make a good assessment. It’ll also help the senior get familiar with the doctor to build a relationship.

After their conversation, you can ask for permission to talk to the doctor about what you have observed.

4. Take them to the emergency room.

This is necessary when their memory loss is sudden and significant, such as if they instantly forget chunks of basic information or knowledge about themselves or people close to them.

● Or they get delusional and begin to fear that something terrible will happen to them or you and start acting out. It may be more severe than you think. Quickly take them to a doctor.

5. Communicate using short sentences.

When speaking to them, remember that they may look fine, but their brains have changed. They may not process a lot of information and explanation at once.

● Keep your statements basic and concise. For instance, if you have to get the groceries, do not bother explaining that they forgot to get this or the other time, so you have to go. Instead, tell them you are going to buy groceries.

6. Convince them to live with you or your caretakers.

You may try to explain to them how their condition could deteriorate and there are risks of living alone. Some may understand right away, while others will be resistant and insist that they are fine.

● In such cases, have a doctor tell them instead. Sometimes such news is better relayed by a professional.

7. Do not argue with them.

They may forget what they hear, get confused easily, accuse you of things you didn’t do, and say mean things to you. It can get frustrating, but there’s no point in yelling at them or raising your voice.

● It’s a losing battle and will only make them angrier and more confused. They may even become depressed.

8. Try to improvise.

Go along with whatever story or reality they are living in today. Be with them in their world or version of reality. They enjoy telling their stories, so let them talk.

It’s not always easy to roll with their way of thinking, but it’s all you can do to help them.

9. Avoid playing guessing games with them.

Don’t ask questions like, “Do you know who I am? Do you remember where this happened?” That only frustrates and embarrasses them. It hurts their feelings and makes them feel belittled.

● Instead, introduce yourself and others as you approach. You will see the relief on their faces when you do.

10. Watch what you say in their presence.

Never talk about them as if they are not there. They hear more than you realize. They may later remember what you said and feel sad. Stay encouraging, cheerful, and friendly.

Whatever happens, you can’t stop the progress of time. You can help the older adult in your care get as comfortable as possible, but you can’t get their memories back. Endeavor to maintain a healthy lifestyle for them for as long as you can.

A 10 Minute Guide to Communicating for Seniors with Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can make you feel isolated and rob you of many of life's pleasures. It's a real issue for seniors. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in three adults between 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and that figure rises to almost 50% for those over 75.

At the same time, there's promising research underway, and assistive devices have made a lot of progress.

Scientists may someday be able to reverse hearing loss by replacing damaged hair cells in the inner ear or prevent age-related hearing difficulties altogether with breakthrough medications.

Until that happy day, you'll need to rely on the available technology and strategic communication skills. Start by taking a look at these tips for coping with reduced hearing.

Communicating with Hearing Loss - General Conversation Tips:

1. Face off.

Ask others to face you when they're talking. It also helps if they give you a heads up by calling out your name before they start.

2. Repeat it back.

Active listening is even more important when you have hearing loss. Reiterate what you think you heard to see if you're correct. It's more pleasant and effective than saying "excuse me" over and over.

3. Rephrase it.

Simple language helps. Shorten sentences, and break information down into bite-size chunks.

4. Stay on track.

It's easier to understand a message when you know the context. Announce the subject matter first. Stick to one topic or let your listener know if you're switching your focus from home repair to vacation plans.

5. Resist shouting.

A moderate volume and pace creates the most favorable conditions. Yelling distorts the face, and makes it harder to see nonverbal cues.

6. Write it down.

Put essentials into writing. That's especially true for names and numbers like street addresses or contact information.

7. Read lips.

Lip reading is a skill you can start learning at any age by paying attention to lip shape and movement.
Sign up for local classes or browse for resources online. It may take one or two years to master, but eventually you could find yourself putting on your glasses to talk.

8. Use devices.

There are many options today from smart hearing aids to personal amplifiers. Try them out before buying anything.

Communicating with Hearing Loss -Tips for Specific Situations:

1. See your doctor.

Bring your spouse or other loved ones with you to health care appointments. They can help you gather information while you discuss ways for your family to deal with your hearing loss.

2. Talk by phone.

Hearing-aid-compatible or captioned phones can help you keep in touch with friends and family. If you're on a tight budget, you may qualify for free equipment.

3. Visit with grandchildren.

The same conversation tips apply to children, but they may have more difficulty remembering what to do. Be patient, and hold onto your sense of humor.

4. Watch movies.

Theatres have been required to provide assistive devices for years, and now recent court decisions and digital technology are bringing captioned movies to more venues. Soon you'll be able to talk about new films instead of waiting to see them at home.

5. Dine out.

Loud noises can become more irritating when you have hearing loss, so you may want to ask about the sound level before making reservations. You can also choose a quiet table away from the entrance and kitchen.

Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: Anti Aging guide and also download the free health report available there!

Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over 35 years and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.

Just send him a note on the form here - Contact Us - to request a personal no obligation one-on-one consultation with Warren

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