Dos and Don'ts of communicating with a person with Dementia

Submitted by Aishwarya Solanki on 22 February 2017

Communicating with a person with dementia can be quite a challenge. There are some tips that can definitely help get the attention of the person and not agitate them. Here are some Dos and Don'ts.


DO's DON'Ts
Approach from the front, make eye contact and introduce yourself if necessary Don’t wave hand while talking as person’s attention could be distracted
Speak slowly, calmly and use a friendly facial expression Don’t talk too fast or shout. Shouting out could have negative effect as the person would feel threatened. 
Be patient when talking to the person Don't interrupt the person while he/she is talking.
Use short simple and familiar words. Don’t use complicated words.
Show that you are listening and trying to understand what is being said. Don’t walk away from the person while talking.
Ask one question at a time, and allow time for a reply.  Don’t talk without pausing. The person may find it difficult to follow through long sentences.
Make positive suggestions- eg. “Let’s go into garden “ rather than negative one, such as “let’s not go there” Don’t confront or correct if it can be avoided. Avoid arguing and criticising.
Identify each other by name rather than using pronouns (she, he). Don’t talk about the person as if he/she weren’t there.
Empathise and be understanding. Touch or hug if it will help. Don’t show displeasure when the person could not respond properly to the message.
Be sensitive when dealing with the person Don’t treat the person as a child
Use light/ pastel colours as they have a soothing effect. Don’t use bright colours in the environment.
   

Stay tuned next week for - Tips for Bathing, Dressing & Eating !

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