Speaker: Liz Plozner Chalfa, Executive Director at Juniper Communities

People with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias gradually lose the ability to communicate with others. Changes progressively affect spoken and written language, while communication through gestures and behaviors may persist longer. As the ability to communicate decreases, individuals living with a dementia have difficulties expressing themselves and understanding others.
Dementia-related changes in communication may impact the health, safety, and quality of life of the person with a dementia diagnosis and the ability of the adult child to understand and respond to their loved one’s needs. Developing strategies for continued but altered ways of communication can help both the parent and the care provider.

Participants in this program will learn about communication changes related to dementia, understand the value of “entering” into their loved one’s “world,” and develop strategies for communication with their loved one throughout the course of the disease.