Explore 32 learning opportunities this June – Alzheimer’s Association – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers

If you are curious about memory loss, look at “Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters” or “The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.” If you need specific knowledge or just something to make life easier, try “Learning To Connect: Relating to the Person with Alzheimer’s” or “Dementia Conversations.” No matter where you are in the journey, we have a program that will help.

Education Programs Calendar

There are currently 114 education program events listed in our database. To view and register for our events, use the search tool below.

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Alzheimer`s Research: Get Informed, Get Involved

Caregiver Stress: Relief, Acceptance and Empowerment

Dementia Conversations

Educational Programs by Phone

Effective Communication Strategies

Fighting Dementia Through Joyful Living

Healthy Habits for a Healthier You

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research

Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters

Learning To Connect: Relating to the Person with Alzheimer`s

Legal and Financial Planning

Live Webinars

Living with Alzheimer’s: For Late Stage Caregivers

Living with Alzheimer’s: For Middle-Stage Caregivers

Professional Education

Supporting You and Your Community

The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer`s Disease

Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior

Understanding Early Memory Loss

Your Service, Your Health, Our Focus

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Casey

Chatham

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Chillicothe

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Red Bud

Rockford

Roselle

Springfield

St Charles

St Galesburg

Standard

Sterling

Streator

Sycamore

Tolono

Toulon

Vandalia

Woodstock

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Alzheimer’s may gradually diminish a person’s ability to communicate – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers

Communication with a person living with Alzheimer’s requires patience, understanding and good listening skills. We have strategies that can help both you and the person with dementia understand each other better.

Communication and Alzheimer’s

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Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias gradually diminish a person’s ability to communicate. Communication with a person with Alzheimer’s requires patience, understanding and good listening skills. The strategies below can help both you and the person with dementia understand each other better.

• Changes in communication
• Communication in the early stage
• Communication in the middle stage
• Communication in the late stage

Changes in communication

In addition to changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s, a number of physical conditions and medications can affect a person’s ability to communicate. Consult a doctor if you notice major changes.

Changes in the ability to communicate can vary, and are based on the person and where he or she is in the disease process. Problems you can expect to see throughout the progression of the disease include:

• Difficulty finding the right words.
• Using familiar words repeatedly.
• Describing familiar objects rather than calling them by name.
• Easily losing a train of thought.
• Difficulty organizing words logically.
• Reverting to speaking a native language.
• Speaking less often.
• Relying on gestures more than speaking.

Communication in the early stage

Caregiver Stress Check

Alzheimer caregivers frequently report high levels of stress. Take our quiz and get resources to help.

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as mild Alzheimer’s in a medical context, an individual is still able to participate in meaningful conversation and engage in social activities. However, he or she may repeat stories, feel overwhelmed by excessive stimulation or have difficulty finding the right word. Tips for successful communication:

• Don’t make assumptions about a person’s ability to communicate because of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The disease affects each person differently.
• Don’t exclude the person with the disease from conversations with others.
• Speak directly to the person if you want to know how he or she is doing.
• Take time to listen to how the person is feeling, what he or she is thinking or may need.
• Give the person time to respond. Don’t interrupt or finish sentences unless he or she asks for help finding a word or finishing a sentence.
• Talk with the person about what he or she is still comfortable doing and what they may need help with.
• Explore which method of communication is most comfortable for the person. This could include face-to-face conversations, email or phone calls.
• It’s OK to laugh. Sometimes humor lightens the mood and makes communication easier.
• Be honest and frank about your feelings. Don’t pull away; your friendship and support are important to the person.

We Can Help

If you have questions about communicating with a person with dementia:

• Call our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
• Locate a support group in your community
• Visit our message boards

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Communication in the middle stage

The middle stage of Alzheimer’s, sometimes referred to as moderate Alzheimer’s, is typically the longest and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, the person will have greater difficulty communicating and will require more direct care. Tips for successful communication:

• Allow time for response so the person can think about what he or she wants to say.
• Engage the person in one-on-one conversation in a quiet space that has minimal distractions.
• Be patient and supportive. Offering comfort and reassurance can encourage the person to explain his or her thoughts.
• Maintain eye contact. It shows you care about what he or she is saying.
• Avoid criticizing or correcting. Instead, listen and try to find the meaning in what is being said. Repeat what was said to clarify.
• Avoid arguing. If the person says something you don’t agree with, let it be.
• Don’t overwhelm the person with lengthy requests. Offer clear, step-by-step instructions for tasks.
• Speak slowly and clearly.

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• Ask “yes” or “no” questions. For example, “Would you like some coffee?” rather than “What would you like to drink?”
• Ask one question at a time.
• Give visual cues. To help demonstrate the task, point or touch the item you want the individual to use. Or, begin the task for the person.
• Written notes can be helpful when a spoken word seems confusing.

Communication in the late stage

The late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as severe Alzheimer’s, may last from several weeks to several years. As the disease advances, the person with Alzheimer’s may rely on nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions or vocal sounds. Around-the-clock care is usually required in this stage. Tips for successful communication:

• Treat the person with dignity and respect. Avoid talking down to the person or as if he or she isn’t there.
• Approach the person from the front and identify yourself.
• Encourage nonverbal communication. If you don’t understand what is being said, ask the person to point or gesture.
• Sometimes the emotions being expressed are more important than what is being said. Look for the feelings behind words or sounds.
• Use touch, sights, sounds, smells and tastes as a form of communication with the person.
• It’s OK if you don’t know what to do or say; your presence and friendship are most important to the person.

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Top Resources

• Communication (PDF)
• Alzheimer’s Navigator
• Care Team Calendar
• Support Groups

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Virtual Leaning: Choosing Residential Care and Gadgets to Make – Alzheimer’s Association – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers

2 NEW TOPICS:
How to Choose the Best Residential Care Option for Your Situation
Gadgets, Gizmos and Technology to Make Dementia Care Safer and Easier

1 Educational Program by Phone

How to Choose the Best Residential Care Option for Your Situation

Tuesday, June 13
noon to 1 p.m.
Lee Moriarty, CTRS/BS
Founding Member of Illinois Pioneer Coalition
The move to a residential facility can be traumatic for all involved. Financial pressures, guilt, sadness and anxiety are all part of the process of transitioning to residential care. Learn how to select the best level of care for your situation. Once chosen, learn how to manage the process of choosing which option is best, from making the first phone call to making the most out of your first tour.

1 Live Webinars

Gadgets, Gizmos, and Technology to Make Dementia Care Safer and Easier
Thursday, June 15
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
OR
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Mike Bius
Multimedia Education  Manager Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or be an expert in technology to take advantage of the many gadgets and gizmos available today. From high-tech monitors to automatic pill dispensers to sensors in the home, learn how to utilize technology to make caregiving safer and less stressful.

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How to choose the best residential care option for your situation –  Alzheimer’s Association – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers

Join us Tuesday, June 13 at 12 p.m. for an Educational Program by Phone. The move to a residential facility can be traumatic and the financial pressures, guilt, sadness and anxiety are all part of the process of transitioning to residential care. Learn how to select the best level of care for your situation and how to manage the process of choosing which option is best.

Online Tools

Alzheimer’s Navigator

Caregiver Stress Check

ALZConnected

Your Local Community

Greater Illinois Chapter

Free: Educational Programs by Phone

.Are you too busy to attend an in-person education program? Our free Educational Programs by Phone are designed for busy people who aren’t able to attend a program outside of their home or office.

Register online below or by phone at 309.662.8392.
It’s easy! After registering, you will receive a toll free number to call plus materials to follow along with during the program. Call from your home, office, or car. You can listen in and even ask questions of our expert speakers.

Listen to Past Programs

Programs by Phone PDF

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? Upcoming Programs (view description & register)

How to Choose the Best Residential Care Option for Your Situation
Tuesday | June 13, 2017 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Coping with Caregiver Guilt and Depression
Tuesday | July 11, 2017 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and Other Dementias
Tuesday | August 8, 2017 | 12:00 – 12:30 p.m

Sleeplessness, Sundowning & Alzheimer’s: How to Cope in the Evening
Tuesday | September 12, 2017 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Using Music to Combat Anxiety and Create Harmony
Tuesday | October 10, 2017 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Family Conflict and Alzheimer’s disease: Navigating Difficult Waters
Tuesday | November 14, 2017 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Medications for Alzheimer’s and other Dementias: Benefits and Side Effects
Tuesday | December 12, 2017 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Listen to Past Programs

The Mediterranean Diet – Can Changes in Diet Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
05.09.17

Supporting Couples Living with Dementia: How Spouses’ Roles Change
04.11.17

Legal and Financial Considerations in Dementia: Three Things You Can Do Today
03.14.17

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Anxiety Relief: Aromatherapy and Hand Massage
02.14.17

Veterans Program: Your Service, Your Health, Our Focus
01.31.17

Hiring In-Home Care: How to Choose Who to Bring into Your Home
01.10.17

Caregiver’s School of Hard Knocks: One Man’s Journey
12.13.16

? Register Online

First-time Registrant Previous Registrant

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You can help plant seeds of hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s – Optimum Senior Care – Chicago In Home Caregivers

Volunteers will hit the streets nationwide on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3, collecting donations to help fight Alzheimer’s disease during Bankers Life Forget Me Not Days, now in its 15th year. In exchange for a contribution, donors receive a packet of Forget Me Not flower seeds to plant in honor of a loved one and the more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer’s. Bankers Life provides life and health insurance to those who are in or near retirement. Since 2003, Bankers Life has supported the Alzheimer’s Association with more than $4.5 million for its care, support and research efforts.

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