Communication is vital to express our feelings, our needs, and gives us our sense of individuality and identity. Dementia can alter the cognitive functions of a person and slow thought and speech capacity. For those affected with dementia, the loss of the ability to communicate can be utterly frustrating and depressing. It can also bring new challenges to families and for those who care for them. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that one must exercise patience, kindness, and compassion at all times while conversing with dementia patients.
Learning the ways we can improve our own communication skills to enhance our conversations with those affected with dementia can ease the tension on both parties who are trying to converse. No one is born with the innate capabilities of perfect speech, so practice with finding ways to make interactions with someone you care for with dementia is not only possible, but can be quite fulfilling.
Mom’s Home care caregivers have used some strategies that have proven to be distinctive markers in the way communication barriers can be overcome, so that our friends and loved ones with difficulties can still have the best opportunities to reach out to us and us to them the best we can! So, let's go over some very simple yet effective means of communication.
1. Keep background noise to a minimum. Dementia often hinders concentration of any kind, so adding extra noise and distractions to the mix may only frustrate the person with whom you are trying to talk with.
2. Introduce yourself. Your family member or friend may recognize your face, but may not remember your name. A cheerful, " Hi Grandpa, it's Jimmy, how are you doing?" may lighten their mood and help them remember who you are without putting them on the spot.
3. Speak slowly and clearly, in a good position where the person can see you. Make clear eye contact to let them know you are interested in what they have to say, and give them time to reply.
4. Stimulate the conversation with topics that you know the person is interested in. It can really make a world of difference when someone really knows you care about what they have to say.
5. Make sure you set aside plenty of time to have a meaningful conversation. Take the time to make sure the person is fed, bathed, or toileted so it gives them the time they need to have a stress free, relaxed visit with you.
The person with dementia still may exhibit signs of anxiety or grief at times, but their fears may be lessened knowing that you are not afraid to be around them and that you are there to help them. Keeping things simple and being a good listener can be keys to positive interactions.
Showing your loving and caring side, and ending your conversations with a smile, and a hug or handshake can go a long way, and reminding them of how much you enjoyed their company. Remember, our friends and loved ones with dementia are not empty shells, they still have feelings and hold love and hope in their hearts. Reach out to someone who needs you today.
