A dementia diagnosis is life-changing. The patient and their family may experience various emotions, such as denial, fear, anger, and sadness. But at the end of the day, everyone must put one foot in front of the other and deal with it.
Communication can be challenging as dementia patients often experience anxiety and don’t remember information. But with the right approach, you can avoid escalation and benefit from the best possible outcome.
Tips for Communicating with a Dementia Patient
The following caregiving tips ensure you communicate clearly with a senior with dementia.
Establish a Comforting Environment
A stress-free environment in the home can help the person concentrate and process information. The caregiver can create this atmosphere by:
- Removing distractions such as TVs and devices
- Making eye contact to show you’re engaged and focused
- Maintaining a relaxed posture and reassuring facial expressions
- Gently touching the person to promote comfort and maintain their attention
Simplifying Communication
Due to memory problems, the patient may be unable to retain much information. The caregiver should address this issue by simplifying communication in the following manner:
- Using short, clear sentences
- Speaking slowly and clearly
- Focusing on one idea before moving on to the next
- Using words and names rather than pronouns and abbreviations
- Asking simple questions that require only a yes or no answer
Being Patient
Someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s may need information repeated. They may become irritable due to communication difficulties. The caregiver can handle these issues in the following manner:
- Allow time for processing- don’t rush them to finish their sentences or provide an answer
- Repeat and rephrase information if necessary
- Avoid arguing or correction- instead, acknowledge their feelings and redirect their focus
- Be patient and remain calm if they become agitated
- Include them in conversations and be respectful- avoid talking about them as if they aren’t present
- Acknowledge their emotions- An elderly parent may have trouble communicating and may even talk gibberish. If you have difficulty understanding what they say, tune into their feelings.
Use Non-Verbal Clues
If words aren’t getting through, try using verbal cues like:
- Demonstrating what you want them to do with actions, gestures, and facial expressions
- Paying attention to their body language
- Working with visual cues like lists and pictures
Get Professional Help from Golden Care
Caring for people with dementia is not easy. Families often find care goes beyond their means, especially when the disease reaches an advanced stage. Golden Care has the specialized training to deal with this impairment.
Golden Care offers various services, including personal care, assistance with self-care, companionship, and homemaking. We specialize in caring for older adults with chronic conditions, like dementia, as well as those recovering from illness and hospitalization. Our team provides the support you need, helping you deal with an elderly loved one.
Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer.
FAQs
How do you know what stage of dementia someone is in?
You can determine the dementia stage by observing changes in cognitive abilities, daily functioning, and behavior. Healthcare professionals typically use assessment tools like the FAST scale or Global Deterioration Scale to identify the stage based on changes in memory, language, problem-solving skills, and the senior’s ability to complete daily tasks.
What is the average lifespan of someone with dementia?
People typically live 4-12 years after the diagnosis, although some live 20 years or more. Other health conditions, like infections, medications, and significant life stressors, can speed up decline.
What causes looping in dementia?
Looping is a behavior in which a person continually repeats words, questions, or actions or becomes stuck in a conversation cycle. It is caused by memory impairment, brain cell deterioration, and environmental factors. Caregivers should be patient when looping occurs, repeating information as needed, and redirecting and distracting the person to break the loop.