Communication Tips for Dementia Caregivers
Jan
23
Written by:
1/23/2012 3:18 PM
Dementia interferes with thinking, memory and language skills. Persons with dementia struggle to find words, put sentences together, and stay focused on a topic. It is important that caregivers adapt their communication skills to reduce stress and stay connected. The following tips are often found to be helpful:
- Speak slowly, at a normal level using a low-pitched voice. Face the person when you are speaking to him or her (rather than out of the person's line of sight).
- Express what you want to say using simple words and sentences.
- Give your loved one enough time to respond. If he or she does not respond, repeat your question using the same wording.
- Ask only one question or give one direction at a time. Avoid saying "don't" or giving negative commands. For example, instead of saying, "Don't go in there," try saying, "Let's go over here.“
- Avoid complex questions that require a lot of memory and thought.
- Break tasks down into smaller steps that are more manageable. It is difficult for a person with dementia to remember more than one action at a time.
- Avoid arguing or disagreeing with your loved one. For example, a person with dementia often becomes confused about the past and may think that someone who has died is still alive. It is futile and could cause distress to try to convince the person with dementia that someone is actually dead. Instead, redirect by saying, “Tell me more about him or her.”
- If a person with dementia is upset or anxious, try introducing a new activity that you know he or she enjoys such as listening to music, doing artwork or looking at photos.
- Keep the environment calm, simple, safe, and quiet. Also, try not to have too many visitors at once. A consistent schedule will keep a person with dementia more relaxed.
For more information about dementia services offered by the Council on Aging, please call (386) 253-4700, extension 204.