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Concerned about the changes you are seeing in a loved one? Want to be proactive? Want to learn ways to approach difficult topics? Review these questions to better determine if there is a need
to seek further guidance regarding some of your concerns. Contact kathy@connectionsincommunication.com
for consultation options.
Her expertise and 35 years of experience as a
speech and language pathologist
working with older adults with speech, language and
cognitive concerns provides
practical information to enhance communication,
connection, safety and quality of day to day interactions. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Are you hearing frequent complaints of forgetfulness, references to senior moments or have concerns that the person’s memory seems to be getting worse? - YES – The first step is learning more about the causes of memory loss including those that are reversible and what the appropriate resources might be for a particular situation. Often memory strategies and communication tips to enhance safety as well as quality of life can be introduced.
- NO – Independence with safety is the key to successful aging. Being proactive when you notice these changes, perhaps at a later time, can be beneficial for all involved.
Do you notice frequent word finding difficulties, repeated questions, and repetition of the same information? Is there less participation in conversations? Is there a hearing loss?
- YES – When changes are noted, there are many strategies that can be used to compensate for the difficulties. Learning about a person’s strengths and developing a plan of appropriate strategies can be the best place to start so that they do not begin to withdraw from daily interactions.
- NO – With normal aging comes increased word finding difficulties. Understanding the many red flags that can indicate the need for early assessment can make a great difference in overall quality of life if something more significant is happening.
Do you have concerns about driving, current living situation, or ability to remember but do not know how to begin those difficult conversations?
- YES – There are ways to begin those conversations that can have the potential for more success. Understanding the safety implications and the appropriate modifications while trying to meet them where they are in processing these changes is an important starting place for conversations.
- NO – If these are not current concerns now is the best time to start planting the seed for future options. When the need is there, it is often such a sensitive issue, that the conversation is put off or avoided. Sometime a crisis occurs with a real understanding of the person’s wishes and choices have to made without time to thoroughly explore options.
Is their a recent diagnosis of memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? Perhaps they have had a stroke, brain injury or a diagnosis that interferes with communication, memory, or the ability to communicate effectively.
- YES – Strategies to enhance communication and activity participation can make a significant difference in the quality of their life and the time that you spend together.
- NO – Sometimes if the diagnosis has been many years ago, situations or caregivers may change and it is possible that new ideas might be given to help you communicate and connect with each other.
Do you notice less involvement in activities that require a lot of thinking, planning, and/or problem solving? Is there an overall decreased interest in doing things or going places?
- YES – A referral can help to determine if these subtle changes may be caused by some decrease in hearing, cognitive functioning, or perhaps other areas that might need to be considered. If there are hired caregivers, their training can help with communication and activity participation.
- NO – Sometimes the slightest of changes can be the indication of some underlying areas that might need to be further addressed. Depression and stress can frequently contribute to these problems
.
Have you noticed increased moodiness, agitation, and changes in their behavior?
- YES – In some cases, this may be the first sign of some increased cognitive and memory difficulties. Further assessment might be indicated. Tips on how to modify communication and daily routines may decrease overall frustrations and perhaps improve their behavior.
- NO – Sometimes this behavior may only be noticed when there is too much activity going on, too much noise or when things are at a faster pace then can be handled.
Are you a caregiver (either locally or long distance) and noticing that your memory is not as good with the stress in your life?
- YES – Caregiver stress has a significant impact on your memory and it is important to learn what you can do to take care of yourself better, improve your ability to recall formation and function more effectively in your work.
- NO – Be proactive. Family members often do not usually take care of themselves. Stress has a way of creeping in and can often have a significant impact on your health, quality of life and your ability to continue in that caregiver role without burnout.
Other areas of interest on the website
that can provide you with additional information INFO AND MEDIA- articles, tips, newsletters, podcasts and much more RESOURCES- additional information PRODUCTS- to enhance communication, connection, encourage reminiscence and more PROGRAMS - where Kathy is presenting some of her programs COURSES ONLINE- memory and hearing with more to come SIGN UP FOR THE FREE QUARTERLY EMAIL NEWSLETTER
FOR ADDITIONAL IDEAS CONTACTkathy@connectionsincommunication.com
to schedule her for a program In your area.
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