Speaking a different language should not be a barrier to getting information and support. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Contact Center Helpline has a translation service that features over 140 languages.
“I hired a Polish-speaking caregiver to help my mom,” Walter* said to the Alzheimer’s Association care consultant. “However, I am concerned that the caregiver is getting increasingly frustrated with my mom because of her dementia.”
Walter’s Polish-speaking mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six months ago. She wanted to remain in her own home for as long possible. He got her a caregiver to help with daily tasks. The caregiver is now unsure how to manage mom’s increasing care needs.
“The caregiver has no formal training in dementia care,” he said. “She needs help understanding Alzheimer’s disease. Do you happen to speak Polish?”
Conference call with a translator
The care consultant organized a conference call with Walter, the caregiver and a Polish translator. After everyone was connected, the care consultant and translator educated the caregiver about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and gave her tips on communicating with a person with dementia.
“This is exactly what my mom’s caregiver needs,” Walter said. “She knows that she can call you whenever she has a question or needs help. This will make all the difference in her ability to better care for my mom.”
* The names of callers have been changed to protect their privacy.
