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 !

Community
Alzheimer's and Dementia
Parkinsons Disease and Movement Disorder PDMDS
Condition
Dementia
Parkinson Disease
Changed
Wed, 02/22/2017 - 19:25

Stories

  • Living well with Dementia in Hindi
    A excellent video in Hindi from the UK.  Covers the following aspects: What is Dementia Types of Dementia - Alzheimer's, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body, etc.. Difference between Dementia and Ageing Medication and treatment  Management of Dementia Importance of a support network so you realise you are not alone Advise to caregivers and carers: Share your worries and concerns with friends and family members Join support groups Involve the family, even children Use care services whenever…
  • Early Stage Parkinson’s - Dealing with the Diagnosis
    What can you do when you have Early Stage Parkinson's  Taking Control of Parkinson’s: Make a decision today to take control of your life with Parkinson’s. The key to living an optimally healthy, happy and fulfilling life is in your hands. Here are some pointers to help you take control. Acceptance: It is important that you accept that you have Parkinson’s. Then only will you be able to take control of it. Acceptance does not mean you’re “giving up” instead it is the first hurdle you must…
  • 13 Myths about Parkinson’s
    1. Myth: Parkinson’s is contagious. Reality: Parkinson’s is a neurological (occurring in the brain) condition which is not contagious and cannot be passed on from one person to the other. 2. Myth: All people with Parkinson’s have tremors.  Reality: Although tremor is the most widely recognized symptom of Parkinson’s, not all people who have Parkinson’s have tremors. Parkinson’s may manifest with a variety of other symptoms too. http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/parkinson-…
  • Dyskinesia and Parkinson’s
    Dyskinesia is a term that is used to describe excessive movement which is beyond one’s control.   Scientists believe that the areas in the brain which are responsible for producing movement become over – stimulated. This leads to excessive and unwanted movement. However, remember that dyskinetic movements are not tremors. Tremor is a symptom of Parkinson’s, whereas dyskinesia is more often thought to be a side effect of Levodopa.  People experience different kinds of…
  • Young Onset Parkinson's
    What is Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease Although Parkinson’s is mainly a condition that affects the elderly, it is sometimes seen in people who are much younger as well. Young onset Parkinson’s is seen in people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s before the age of 50 years.  Common Symptoms  Most of the symptoms for Parkinson’s are generally the same no matter at what age it is diagnosed and the rate of progression varies from individual to individual. However, young onset Parkinson’s…
  • Prevention of Parkinson's Disease
    Since the cause of Parkinson's Disease is not known, it is not clear how to prevent it.  But make sure you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet with more fruits and vegetables.   
  • Caregiving Tips for Parkinson's Disease
    Caregiving is a challenging job. Depending on the severity of the condition, you have to be prepared to do the following: Accompany the person with Parkinson’s disease for their medical appointments Install safety features around the house Get additional help if you are not around to monitor and assist the patient Additionally, remember that a good relationship and communication with the patient keeps them and you happier and healthier. Look after your own health and mental wellbeing.…
  • Management of Parkinson's Disease
    Living with Parkinson’s disease Everyday activities can be a challenge. You can still do things but you may have to tackle it in a different way. Here are some ideas: Plan your daily activities ahead of time Do not do many things in one day Space your work throughout the day Simplify your tasks Plan periods of rest everyday If you become tired during an activity, stop and rest Avoid extreme physical activities Do not plan activities immediately after a meal. Rest after a meal Get dressed…
  • Stages of Parkinson's Disease
    Can Parkinson’s disease be fatal? Parkinson’s disease is not considered fatal. Patients cannot perform daily movement tasks unaided due to gradual worsening of symptoms, thus there is decrease in quality of life. They can however suffer complications like dysphagia.   Find out how to deal with early stages of Parkinsons: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/early-stage-parkinsons-dealing-diagnosis
  • Parkinson's Disease Treatment
    Currently there are no treatment options available for complete cure of Parkinson’s, but supportive, medical and surgical options are available to manage the symptoms and maintain quality of life. Supportive Therapy: Depending on your condition, physical activities like walking, swimming, dance, yoga, physiotherapy play an important role in improving the quality of life. These can be done under a trained therapist. Medical Therapy: Most commonly used medication is levodopa, and Sinemet (a…