Communication Tips for Residents with Dementia
Communication is an essential life skill for people to be able to co-exist well. With no communication, there can be no relationships, and a lot of misunderstandings may occur amongst people. However, communicating with people with dementia can be difficult if you do not understand a few tips. This article explains some of the tips to help you communicate with such people.
Dementia is a term for describing conditions and diseases that cause memory loss, language, and loss of other skills that affect the ability of a person to accomplish usual everyday activities. Also, a person with this condition often suffers from mood swings and affects their personality. Therefore, since you cannot change them, you can learn how to deal and live with them with their condition.
Here are some guidelines on how to communicate, connect, and deal with difficulties faced when caring for such people.
- Convey a mood for communication
Many people think that words are the only means of communication, while in the real sense, your body language and attitude communicate more than words. When speaking to a person with dementia, use a respectful language and in a pleasant manner. Your voice tone and facial expressions should be full of affection. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
- Get the attention of the person
You should limit any noise and distractions like turning off your TV, radio, and shutting down the door. Get the attention of the person before you start speaking, introduce yourself by relation and name, and address them by name.
- Deliver your message plainly and naturally
Use simple sentences and words, and speak distinctly in an assuring tone. Avoid raising your voice on the person and, instead, pitch your voice. Instead of using pronouns like they, he, she, use names of places and people. If they do not understand your statement the first time, repeat it using the same words. If they still don’t understand, rephrase the message.
- Ask answerable and straightforward questions
Do not ask many questions at a time; instead, ask simple questions one at a go. Questions with a no or yes answer are the best to ask. Avoid open-ended questions.
- Listen with your heart, ears, and eyes
When waiting for the person to reply, exercise patience. You can give them suggestions of words once you realize he or she is struggling to answer.
- Refrain from quibbling
If you keep correcting their every inaccurate statement they make, the conversation may not last long. Therefore, it is essential to let go of misstatements and delusions.
- Understand that days vary
Just like anyone else, people with dementia will experience both bad days and good days.
- When the conversation gets tough, redirect and distract
In the course of your conversation with a person with dementia, he or she might get agitated or upset. In such a situation, changing the environment or subject would be wise. For instance, you can suggest they join you for a walk.
- Remember the good old moments
People with dementia tend to forget what happened a few minutes or days ago, but they can recall things that happened a long time ago. Avoid asking questions depending on short-term memory and instead ask about the person’s past.
- Uphold a good sense of humor
Whenever possible and appropriate, using some humor would be good.
In conclusion, when dealing with people with dementia, it is essential to understand that you cannot change them, if you try doing so, you can provoke rebellion in them. Therefore, what you need is to accommodate them as they are and show them love and care. And with the tips explained in the article, you can communicate with them well. nnn