Ten Tips for Communicating with a Person with Dementia

1. Set a positive mood for interaction.
2. Get the person’s attention.
3. State your message clearly.
4. Ask simple, answerable questions.
5. Listen with your ears, eyes, and heart.
6. Break down activities into a series of steps.
7. When the going gets tough, distract and redirect.

How do you emotionally support someone with dementia?

Supporting the person’s emotional responses: tips for carers Do not dismiss a person’s worries – listen and show them that you are there for them. Try to enjoy the moment and try not to spend too much time thinking about what the future may or may not hold. A sense of humour may help, if the time feels right.

How can you access the additional support of others when supporting individuals with dementia?

Consider registering as a carer with your local authority. Some local authorities have a Carers Card or Carers Passport scheme. These identify you as a carer and allow you to access support services and other benefits like discounts. Ask your local authority or your GP, or look online for more information.

What are six communication techniques you should use when communicating with a person with dementia?

6 nonverbal dementia communication techniques

• Be patient and calm.
• Keep voice, face, and body relaxed and positive.
• Be consistent.
• Make eye contact and respect personal space.
• Use gentle touch to reassure.
• Observe their nonverbal reactions.

What should you not say to someone with dementia?

Here are some things to remember not to say to someone with dementia, and what you can say instead.

• “You’re wrong”
• “Do you remember…?”
• “They passed away.”
• “I told you…”
• “What do you want to eat?”
• “Come, let’s get your shoes on and get to the car, we need to go to the store for some groceries.”

How should you communicate with a person with dementia?

Tips for successful communication:

1. Engage the person in one-on-one conversation in a quiet space that has minimal distractions.
2. Speak slowly and clearly.
3. Maintain eye contact.
4. Give the person plenty of time to respond so he or she can think about what to say.
5. Be patient and offer reassurance.
6. Ask one question at a time.

What are possible interventions for dementia?

Interventions

• Pharmacological (Drug-Interventions)
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
• Reminiscence Therapy.
• Validation Therapy.
• Reality Orientation.
• Physical Exercise.
• Multisensory Stimulation: Snoezelen Rooms.
• Aromatherapy.

What can help someone with dementia?

The following are used to temporarily improve dementia symptoms.

• Cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications — including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne) — work by boosting levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment.
• Memantine.
• Other medications.

Why do dementia patients get so angry?

Mental Triggers Confusion is one of the leading causes of anger and aggression in Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers. Confusion can be triggered by lost trains of thought, mixed up memories, or a sudden change in the environment, such as a change from one caregiver to another.

What is Sundowning behavior?

Answer From Jonathan Graff-Radford, M.D. The term “sundowning” refers to a state of confusion occurring in the late afternoon and spanning into the night. Sundowning can cause a variety of behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions.

How do you care for someone with dementia at home?

Dementia – home care

1. Help the person stay calm and oriented.
2. Make dressing and grooming easier.
3. Talk to the person.
4. Help with memory loss.
5. Manage behavior and sleep problems.
6. Encourage activities that are both stimulating and enjoyable.

How do you talk to an elderly person with dementia?

speak clearly and slowly, using short sentences. make eye contact with the person when they’re talking or asking questions. give them time to respond, because they may feel pressured if you try to speed up their answers. encourage them to join in conversations with others, where possible.

What is one of the most important keys to effective communication with residents with dementia?

Limit visual distractions and background noise, such as a TV or radio, that can make it difficult to hear, listen attentively or concentrate. Keep it simple. Use short sentences. As the disease progresses, ask questions that require a yes or no answer.

How do you communicate effectively with the elderly?

20 COMMUNICATION TIPS

1. Allow extra time for older patients.
2. Minimize visual and auditory distractions.
3. Sit face to face with the patient.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of eye contact.
5. Listen without interrupting the patient.
6. Speak slowly, clearly and loudly.
7. Use short, simple words and sentences.