38
PALM TREE
10 Tips for Communicating with People who Have Memory Loss
Being able to communicate clearly with a person has benefits for your relationship. Here are some techniques that may help both feel understood.
1. Ensure hearing and vision are functioning properly:
• If hearing or vision appears to be a problem, get an assessment.
• A family doctor can start assessments and refer to specialists.
2. Get up close and “personal”: • Use the person’s name and look them in the eye.
• Sit or stand at the same level as the person you are speaking to.
3. Reduce choices: • Too many choices can frustrate someone with dementia.
• Avoid open-ended questions. For example, if you are discussing activities, don’t ask “Where would you like to go today?” It’s better to ask, “Would you like to go to the park?”
4. Diminish distractions: • Background noise from TV, radio or even a fan can distract the person during a conversation. Turn these off.
• Talking and listening in a group may confuse or overwhelm
• The person may lose track of conversations in these situations. Find a quiet place to talk.
5. Keep things simple: • Refer to nouns by their actual name. For example, during a walk when pointing out a pretty bird, say “bird” instead of “it’’.
6. Avoid conflict: • Don’t argue with a person who has dementia. Arguing will make both of you more agitated.
• Recognize that its best to walk away from an ensuing argument.
• Avoid comments, such as: “I just told you that,” and “You’re wrong” as these may make the situation worse.
7. Enter their world: • Validate the feelings and/or thoughts of a person with dementia. For example, if the person believes they have been left alone, while their caregiver was in the other room, you might say “You must have felt alone, and I know you don’t like that feeling. I’m here now.”
38 ELDER LIVING GUIDE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
