“We don’t have to be superstars.”

That was a sentiment that Stephanie Johnston, Senior Sales and Marketing Director at Commonwealth Senior Living Gloucester House, shared during her presentation on “Coping Techniques for Caregivers” on Friday morning at Gloucester Library, Main Street Center.

The presentation was geared to helping caregivers who are caring for a loved one suffering from memory loss.

Being clear and concise with a loved one who has memory loss is key when caregivers are trying to communicate with their patient. Reducing extraneous noise and distractions as well as repeating words as needed can help the communication process. Using specific words such as names of people (instead of using he/she/they) can help the patient follow what their caregiver is trying to communicate.

“They may not know what you’re speaking about,” said Johnston, explaining the importance behind this communication approach.

Caregivers can even go through dementia training where prof...