Tips for Communicating With the Visually Impaired

Most communication changes with your loved one are due to the way Alzheimer's affects the brain, but vision problems might make communication even more difficult. Here are some tips for communicating with your loved one if he or she has a vision impairment as well as Alzheimer's disease:

• Approach your relative from the front, and be sure she's aware of your presence to avoid startling her.

• Use any audiovisual materials or equipment that might enhance your loved one's ability to understand you.

• Explain what you'd like to do before providing any personal care, such as dressing or bathing.

• Avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises, which may frighten your relative.

• Make sure that your loved one is wearing clean glasses, if prescribed.

_Sources:

Communication: Best ways to interact with the person with dementia. Alzheimer's Association. 2005. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_communication.pdf

Mace, N. L., & Rabins, P. V. (2006). The 36-hour day: A family guide to caring for people with Alzheimer disease, other dementias, and memory loss in later life (4th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.