Correct communication with dementia patients

It is worth approaching and speaking to a person with dementia as a healthy person would want to be spoken to – giving lots of positive feedback, lots of attention and attention to what they are saying, and speaking to them as equals and with respect. It is worth asking questions that are not stumbling but rather advancing. For example: 

Don't say : Do you know who I am?

Instead say : Hello, nice to meet you...

Don't say : You just said that.

But say : Interesting, I didn't know.

Don't say : I already know that.

But say : Thank you for sharing with me.

Don't say : That's not true.

But say : Interesting, that's what it arouses in you.

It's a good idea to find something positive to say to each person. When people feel valued, they try harder. On the other hand, people who feel useless won't try. Positive behavior is especially important for people with Alzheimer's.

 

Tips for communicating properly with the patient

  1. Positive attitude– Our behavior towards the patient says more to him than any words we use. Don't forget to smile, use positive body language, and touch.
  2. Get your full attention– Try to neutralize the environmental “noises” – turn off the TV and radio, close the door, etc. Before you start speaking, call the person by name, remind them who you are (even if they are close family members). Sit or stand so that they can see you easily and not behind their back, maintain eye contact!
  3. Clear wording– Use simple words and sentences that are not too complex. Speak slowly, clearly, and in an encouraging voice. Avoid a loud, threatening voice. If the person with dementia did not understand you, repeat the question or statement. If that does not work either, try rephrasing the statement, in different words.
  4. Ask simple questions.– No more than one question at a time. It is better to ask questions that require a “yes” or “no” answer. A person with dementia has difficulty making choices, so it is better to avoid giving a broad choice and ask concrete things: “What would you like to wear – a blue or a white shirt?” Along with the question, it is worth presenting both items.
  5. Try to hear with his ears, see with his eyes, and feel with his heart. Put yourself in his shoes. If he has difficulty answering, give him clues. Pay attention to his reactions to understand what he was trying to say and failed to say.
  6. Break down into elements –Don’t give overly complex tasks. Present each step separately and calmly. If the person is struggling with the task, help them.
  7. Didn't make it? They distracted him.– Help him not to focus on the failure, present him with another topic. If he is unable to complete the task, suggest that he do something different: take a walk, drink, eat, listen to music. It is important to do this with a lot of tact and sensitivity.
  8. Support a person with dementia– Each of us often feels embarrassment and frustration when we are unable to perform a task that was once easy for us. Even more so, elderly people with dementia. Also, people with dementia treat things they experienced in the past as something that exists in reality today. Don't try to argue with them. Go with their experience, try to hear the emotion behind it, and don't react negatively to the mistaken thought.
  9. Talk about the past– The process of remembering is good for people with dementia. Long-term memory is often preserved at a better level than short-term memory. Ask him questions about his childhood and avoid questions related to what he had for breakfast.
  10. Don't lose your sense of humor.– Try to approach the situation with a smile. Tell the elderly person a good joke and laugh with them.
  11. Try to avoid conflicts and arguments.– These may only exacerbate your helplessness and that of the person with dementia. Remember that they no longer understand your intentions well – even if they are good.
  12. Don't take memory tests. – Do not confront him with a reality that he may no longer remember, including: people, places, objects, etc. Questions like - Do you remember..? Do you know what to do with..? may embarrass the person. Be sure to introduce people to him and explain the meaning of objects in a respectful and honest manner.

 

*Thanks to Vicki Nani, MSW, Director of the "Hagana" Day Center for the Mentally Ill, Ramla

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