Interpersonal communication tips to help you communicate with a senior with dementia or memory problems.
Interpersonal communication tips to help you communicate with a senior with dementia or memory problems.
Listening
1. Be patient and supportive.
2. Make eye contact and show interest.
3. Encourage the person while he/she tries to communicate.
4. Be patient.
5. Give them time to communicate.
6. Don’t tell him/her that what they are saying is incorrect.
7. Repeat what is said to clarify.
8. Don’t argue.
9. Try helping the person find the appropriate word.
10. Look for feelings behind the words.
11. Limit distractions.
12. Encourage the person to communicate nonverbally.
Communicating
1. Approach the person from the front and identify yourself.
2. Address the person by name.
3. Use short, simple, and familiar words and sentences.
4. Talk slowly and clearly.
5. Give one-step directions.
6. Guide the person.
7. Ask one question at a time.
8. Be patient. The person may need time to find the right words.
9. Repeat information or questions.
10. Try providing the solution, rather than the question.
11. The person with dementia may take statements literally. Be careful how you phrase statements.
12. Avoid pronouns.
13. Emphasize key words.
14. State the positive rather than the negative.
15. Use visual clues.