Helpful ways to communicate with dementia sufferers

Many of those suffering from dementia find themselves unable to
communicate their needs and fears with others. Often this leads to a
breakdown in communication between the client and their caregiver.
Although frustrating there are some ways to help caregivers
communicate with dementia suffers to help build long lasting healthy
relationships. These tips are designed to help you handle the often
difficult task of of assisting dementia clients.

1.Maintain your sense of humor
Many dementia clients still have their social skills. Telling
jokes or sharing funny stories are ways to lighten the mood and to
share laughter together.

2. When interacting be positive
Communicate with more than just your voice. Your body language
and tone or voice are other ways to convey your thoughts and feelings

3. Be clear and direct
Speak slowly and use simple words/phrases. Always refer to people
by their names rather than he/she as sometimes this may cause
confusion. If the client does not understand your question the 1st
time you ask it is recommended that you repeat the question the same
way you phrased it the 1st time you asked it.

4. Minimize distractions around them
Make sure you have their full attention before speaking to them.
If you are in a place that is very noisy you may chose to leave the
room or turn down the volume of the TV.

5. Ask questions that are easy for them to answer
Ask questions that are easily answered with Yes/No answer. Try
not to ask open ended questions that can confuse their thought
process.

6. Listen with more than your ears
Take note of their body language when they are trying to answer
their questions. If they begin to get confused or flustered you can
try to make suggestions as to what they are trying to say.

7. When they start to get upset, lighten the mood
When their mood begins to change address the negative emotion
they are demonstrating and then change the subject or divert their
attention to a hands on activity.

8. Reassure them with feelings of safety and comfort
During times when they are unsure of their surroundings or become
confused reassure them buy using a soft tone of voice or a pat on the
shoulder.

9. Use the Divide and Conquer approach
When taking on a large task help them make it manageable by
breaking the process into steps. Encourage them to keep moving forward
and help them when they aren't sure what to do next.

10. Have them share stores from the past
For most dementia clients it isn't their long term memory that is
fading so suggest that they tell you stories from their favorite
vacation. Another way to jog their memory is to pull out an old album,
ask who people are or what they were doing when this picture was
taken.