Communication tips for caregivers of someone with dementia...

SDianeL · April 11

I thought these tips I read on Facebook might be helpful:

You asked...and you shall receive! A blog reader recently asked me for a list of communication tips they could give family members for when they visited their parent with dementia. Here goes! Tips on Communicating with Someone Living with Dementia Connect, don’t correct. I have seen many families be so insistent on making sure their loved one knew they were wrong that they destroyed their ability to have a positive interaction. Don’t assume someone with dementia is hard of hearing. Sometimes when you raise your voice, you sound angry. Be comfortable with silence. It takes someone with dementia longer to process what you say, so give them time to respond before you answer for them. Stay out of their face. Sometimes when someone isn’t responding, we get closer and closer–so that our face is right in their face. Be careful with this approach…it can make someone feel boxed in and intimidated. As dementia progresses, it’s okay that conversations get shorter. Keep in mind that conversations can deplete the mental energy of someone with dementia. If they can stay focused on a conversation for a short time, appreciate that short time. Body language and facial expression increase in importance as dementia progresses. When people lose the ability to understand language, they often retain the ability to understand non-verbals. Never talk about someone with dementia as if they are not present. Always assume someone can understand more than they can express. Give step-by-step instructions. Instead of telling someone to brush their teeth, start with “Let’s go to the sink.” Then say, “Pick up the toothbrush. ”Make sure your loved one is using any aids he or she needs. This sounds silly, but we often forget to make sure individuals are wearing their glasses or hearing aids. Compromising someone’s sight or hearing makes communication unnecessarily difficult. Minimize competing stimuli. Turn off the TV. Shut the window if you are next to a busy street. Set your loved one up for success by allowing them to focus on the conversation. As dementia progresses, considering minimizing open-ended questions. Instead of asking, “What do you want for lunch?” ask “Would you like soup or a turkey sandwich?” Avoid “non-question” questions. Don’t ask, “Do you want to take your medication?” if “no” is not an acceptable response. Say, “It’s time to take your medication.” Consider the timing of visits and conversations. If you would like to have an important talk or quality visit with someone who has dementia, think about what time of day will work best. If a person usually takes a nap around 2 pm, they are not likely to be at their best if you stop by at 1:45.Don’t judge a conversation by whether or not the content makes sense. Judge a conversation by the connection. Remember that you can still have a pleasant conversation with someone if they don’t remember who you are. Stop arguing about your identity and relationship to the person with dementia. Elaine M. Eshbaugh Empower Dementia Strategieswhendementiaknocks.com