Communicating with Loved Ones

Advance Planning: Making Tough End of Life Decisions

May 14th, 2008 by Arleen Stern

Several months ago, I received a copy of a very thought-provoking book, The Best Way to Say Goodbye: A Legal Peaceful Choice at the End of Life, by Stanley A. Terman, PhD, MD. It is an exhaustive resource on a method that can be used to end one’s life through the voluntary refusal of food and fluids. It is difficult for most people to discuss end of life. It only gets more difficult when you consider when and under...Read the rest of this article »

Reunions, Reminiscence & Reflection: Stories to Tell

May 1st, 2008 by Margit Novack

Last week I gazed at photos from my fortieth high school reunion. Some people looked exactly the same, but most had changed. Some were thinner, some were heavier, many were gray-haired. I spent the most time looking at pictures of the girls I had placed on pedestals during high school—the pretty, the popular, the thin. I was so hard on myself then. Sometime during the past forty years I came to accept who I am—the good and the bad—and...Read the rest of this article »

Guidelines for a More Successful Visit: Visiting Your Elderly Loved One

January 31st, 2008 by Kay Paggi

I had the opportunity to observe family members as they visited with their elderly relatives over the Christmas holidays. They were too often studies in frustration. In one instance, a daughter was visiting with her mom; she had brought her dog along for the visit. The dog’s activities generated their only conversation. When the dog barked at someone, or sniffed something, or sat up or lay down, that became the topic of discussion for a few brief sentences. Then...Read the rest of this article »

How to Talk to an Elder with Dementia Using Validation Therapy, Redirection & Other Techniques

January 28th, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, then you know how difficult it can be to communicate with him or her. Maybe there are good or bad days. Maybe there are certain times of the day that are better or worse. Whatever the case may be, this article will walk you through techniques that are sure to improve communication with the person you love. Put Yourself in Their Shoes Imagine, for a moment, that you are...Read the rest of this article »

How to Deal with Combativeness

January 23rd, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

It's not uncommon for care recipients to display abusive behavior. Following are a few suggestions for caregivers dealing with combativeness. Gilbert Guide also offers tips on caring for patients with dementia. When Does It Happen? Although combative behaviors can seemingly come from nowhere, do not assume it is a simply personality trait. Are the combative outbursts tied to particular activities? Do they occur at specific times, such as late afternoons or evenings? Finding a common denominator may help you understand...Read the rest of this article »

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