Calling and video chatting family and friends can help people living with Alzheimer's disease to stay in touch, improve cognitive health and delay dementia symptoms. It can also give the primary family care partner a break, and provide a different approach in person to drive connection. The benefits of connecting with family and friends include:

Social Engagement: Social isolation can exacerbate the symptoms of Alzheimer's and lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. Regular phone calls provide opportunities for social engagement and help individuals feel connected to loved ones.
Emotional Support: Talking to family and friends can provide emotional support and comfort. Hearing familiar voices and receiving words of encouragement can boost mood and reduce anxiety.
Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging in conversations, even simple ones, can help stimulate cognitive functions such as memory, language, and comprehension. This can be particularly valuable in slowing cognitive decline.
Routine and Familiarity: Regular phone calls can establish a sense of routine and familiarity, which can be comforting for individuals with Alzheimer's. Consistency in communication can provide a sense of stability.

Here are some ideas on how to facilitate phone calls for individuals living with Alzheimer's:

Set a Schedule: Establish a regular schedule for phone calls with family and friends. Consistency can help the person anticipate and look forward to these interactions. Either the primary family care partner can propose a schedule that works for them that gives them a break, or its a great idea to suggest as a distant family care partner who wants to help out and provide support.
Use Visual Reminders: Place a visible calendar or whiteboard in the person's living area to mark the days and times when phone calls are scheduled. This can serve as a visual reminder.
Keep It Simple: Encourage short and straightforward conversations. Avoid complex or emotionally charged topics that may confuse or upset the person.
Provide Prompts: Have a list of conversation prompts ready to guide the discussion. Ask about familiar topics, such as family events, hobbies, or favorite memories.
Use Technology / Video chatting: If the person is comfortable with technology, consider video calls or using visual aids, like photos or videos, during the conversation. Seeing loved ones can enhance the connection.
Be Patient and Listen: Be patient and allow the person time to respond. Listen actively and validate their feelings and experiences.
Minimize Distractions: Ensure a quiet and comfortable environment for the conversation. Reduce background noise and distractions to help the person focus.
Repeat and Clarify: If the person becomes confused or forgetful during the conversation, gently repeat and clarify information as needed.
Involve Caregivers: If the individual requires assistance with the phone call, involve caregivers or family members to facilitate and provide support as necessary.
Document the Conversation: After the call, consider jotting down a few notes about what was discussed. This can be helpful for the person and their caregivers to reference in future conversations.
Encourage Physical Contact: If possible and safe, encourage physical contact like sending letters, cards, or small gifts to maintain a tangible connection.
Respect Their Wishes: Be sensitive to the person's mood and energy level. If they are not in the mood for a call, respect their wishes and try again later.

Regular phone calls can be a meaningful way to maintain connections and support the emotional and cognitive well-being of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease. Tailor your approach to the individual's preferences and abilities, and adapt as their condition evolves.

Source; Alzheimer’s Association

Related Posts

Featured