It can be hard to talk to a loved one with dementia.It can be hard to see the decline of understanding or functioning because of the communication challenges.There are ways to improve communication with your loved one.Changing the way you approach speaking and communication starts with creating a safe and welcoming environment.Listen to and understand your family member.Don't forget to take care of your body.
Step 1: Limit the number of things that distract you.
If you want to interact with your family member, create a safe environment.Turn off the tv or radio.Shut the door or close the curtains in a room with limited noise.A distraction-free environment can help your loved one concentrate on the conversation.
Step 2: Each visit, introduce yourself.
Your family member may not remember who you are from your visit.Introduce yourself and your relationship to your family member.Say, "Hello, I'm Rebecca, your niece."In your introduction, be friendly.If they don't recognize you, remember that it's not personal, and recognition may change from day to day.
Step 3: Speak calmly and warmly.
Instead of speaking in baby talk, focus on making your voice clear, calm, and soothing.Safety can be provided through your voice.If you notice that you're raising your voice or speaking tensely, take a break and do some deep breathing.When you are able to speak calmly and confidently, come back to speaking.
Step 4: Talk directly.
If your loved one is acting in an inappropriate way or is struggling to grasp reality, your first reaction may be to calmly explain the situation.People with dementia may not be able to comprehend logical or rational arguments.Simple sentences can be used to talk about what is happening.Don't use vague speech or allusions to situations in your delivery.Instead of saying, "We'll see your doctor after you eat," you could say "First we are eating breakfast, then we will take the car to see the doctor."
Step 5: Speak softly.
If your loved one is having a hard time understanding you, use short, simple sentences.You should slow down your speech.Find a simple and direct way to communicate if your loved one doesn't understand.Allow your family member to understand you.It may be necessary for your loved one to understand you, as it may feel like an uncomfortable pause to you.Try again if your loved one seems confused, frustrated or withdrawn.You need to speak at a slow pace and loud enough for them to hear you clearly.You might have to speak louder and slower.
Step 6: Ask very little questions.
They should ask questions one at a time.Pause and wait for a response after each question.Simple choices can be given when possible.Say, "Would you like juice or water?" if your family member's dementia is advanced, and they will have a simple "yes" or "no" answer.A person with dementia can be overwhelmed by a lot of questions.Too many options can be hard to understand.Don't ask if you notice this.Instead of saying "What would you like for dinner?", say "Today we are having Lasagna for Dinner."
Step 7: You can communicate in short spurts.
Someone with dementia may find long conversations exhausting.You should keep your conversations short.Break but keep contact.Take a break from talking if you notice that your loved one is tired.If your family member appears tired or disengaged, offer to walk or have some quiet time.
Step 8: Don't be impatient.
It can be difficult to communicate with a loved one with dementia, as you may have to repeat yourself multiple times, speak slowly and loudly, and give the person extra time to think over and respond to what you have said.Try to keep this in check.It is not your loved one's fault that they are struggling.If you become impatient or angry, the situation will only get worse.If you find yourself becoming impatient, this is a good time to take a few deep breaths and calm yourself.Hold your breath for five seconds, then exhale slowly.This simple trick will calm you down.
Step 9: Encourage their speech.
Let your family member know that it's okay.Let them finish and don't appear impatient or frustrated.Encourage your loved one to keep explaining.Don't interrupt your family member or complete their sentences.This could break their pattern of communication.Wait for them to finish speaking.
Step 10: It's a good idea to include your loved one in conversations.
As communication ability decreases, you may find yourself talking as if your family member is not there.Even if it means changing the language you use, include your family member in conversations.This can make your loved one feel included.Feelings of being excluded from conversations can increase.It is a good idea to include your family member in conversations.If you're talking about the day's plans, say, "I'm looking forward to spending time with you over lunch when we join Jacob and Leslie."
Step 11: Take their feelings into account.
Think about what someone with dementia might be feeling.They may be acting in an agitated way or confused.If you notice that your loved one is confused or anxious, adjust how you speak and what you say.It might not be a good idea to ask them what they want to eat.You can respond to their feelings and empathise with them.I'm sorry you're having a hard time.I know it's hard for you.When you talk to the person, smile.They can be reassured that you care and that they are safe with you.
Step 12: Focus on your feelings.
If your family member is talking, listen closely.Ask them to say it in a different way if you don't understand it.If you don't know what your family member is saying, pay attention to their body language, tone of voice and facial expressions.If your family member is having a hard time expressing themselves, respond to their communication.If your loved one drops their sweater and looks unhappy, you might want to ask them to put it back.I can help you with that.
Step 13: Refer to them by their names.
Say their names if you're updating your family member.Instead of saying "he" or "she", spell it out for your loved one.Last weekend, your granddaughters went boating together.They had a great time in the water and you can state if that's helpful.Say, "This is your grandchild, Sophia, your son Paul's child."
Step 14: It's time to let delusions or false statements go.
It is tempting to correct your family member's incorrect statements.prioritize the time you spend with your loved one over the correctness of what they say if you find yourself changing many statements.It can be hard to know that your family member is not grasping reality.Take a deep breath before responding if you need a moment to cope with the difficulty.
Step 15: Redirect and validation.
You can find an alternative activity if your loved one becomes upset.Affirm their feelings and experience by connecting emotionally to your family member.Suggest an alternate experience.It seems like this makes you upset.You feel upset, I'm sorry.Would you like to go for a walk with your family member?It can help them feel understood.It's possible to suggest getting food, seeing another family member, or doing a comforting activity.
Step 16: It's important to cope with stress.
Keeping up with your loved one's care can be tiring.If you are easily angered by the person, resent the dementia, feel exhausted, or begin to experience health problems of your own, you may be burned out.Take some time for yourself.Go for a walk, write, or read.It can be helpful to talk to someone about the difficulties.
Step 17: You can talk to a therapist.
It can be helpful to discuss a role change with a therapist.It can be difficult if the family member is your spouse, as the role change, sexual feelings, and ways you connect can all be dramatic.If the family member is your parent, you may struggle with the role change because you now care for them instead of you.It is helpful to talk to someone about the thoughts and feelings you have for someone with dementia.Call your insurance company, local mental health clinic, or physician to find a therapist.You can ask for a recommendation from a friend and do an online search.
Step 18: Join a support group.
A support group is a good place to meet other caregivers and family members of a loved one with dementia.It's a safe place to talk about fears, frustrations, and irritations while also being supported by a group of people who have been there.It's common for caregivers to experience a point where they begin to resent the person they care for.It's important that you join a support group.Call your local hospital or mental health clinic to see if there is a support group in your area.