Taking care of a person with dementia is extremely difficult for both families and caregivers. People who suffer from dementia and related conditions such as Alzheimer’s have a degenerative brain disorder that make it increasingly harder for them to remember things, have clear thoughts, talk to other people, and look after themselves. These diseases are also known to cause intense mood swings which get worse as the day goes on. Significant personality and behavior changes also occur to some people.
The better your communication skills, the better caregiver you have the potential to be. They will help you in developing a good relationship with the patient, which will be key to navigating through tough episodes down the road, and will also aide you in providing high quality care.
Here are 10 tips on how to effectively communicate with someone who has moderate to severe dementia.
- Realize what you’re up against: This debilitating brain disorder inevitably gets worse with time. The symptoms you see now will only get worse and become more difficult to notice.
- Avoid distractions: Go to a nice public garden or park at an off time when it won’t be crowded. The person with dementia will be able to better focus on the conversation and enjoy the scenery.
- Speak clearly and with a calm voice: Avoid using childish language to communicate with them and always be respectful.
- Refer to people by their names: Using pronouns like “he” or “she” will make it very hard for the person with dementia to keep track of the conversation. Also ask people to greet them with their name, it will be easier for them to remember it during conversation and avoid a potential embarrassment.
- Stick with a single topic: It’s very difficult for people with dementia to keep up a conversation with multiple subjects being discussed. Pick one and stick to it to make them most comfortable.
- Embrace body language: Doing something as simple as smiling and keeping eye contact will help the person with dementia feel welcome and understood.
- Listen Closely: Always pay attention to what they are saying, and if you don’t understand what they are saying, ask for clarification.
- Avoid Overcorrecting: A person suffering from dementia is bound to say something incorrect. Don’t over correct, just let it go.
- Be Patient: Always give someone with dementia the time they need to answer a question. Don’t become frustrated and get mad at them for being slow to respond.
- Take it one day at a time: Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients are known to have good days and bad days. Understand this and embrace the good days and don’t get frustrated on the bad ones.