Working with Caregivers for Dementia

Question 1

Caregivers Responsibilities

Answer 1

• Caregivers must try to understand the person’s needs and expressions
• Caregivers are responsible to reassure and comfort
• Caregivers must provide the link between the person and the environment

Question 2

Controlling Communication

Answer 2

• Nonverbal message always accompany the verbal message
• When they don’t match, more weight is given to the nonverbal cues, such as facial expression, gestures, posture, stance, body tension, and affect.
• A unhurried, uncluttered environment can reduce distractions
• Have provisions for privacy
• Setting of chairs and people can foster communication and togetherness
• Present yourself in a calm, matter of fact manner
• Use a non-demanding approach: humor cajoling, cheerful
• Use touch in a non-threatening way
• Begin conversations socially before approaching tasks

Question 3

Rules of Communicating

Answer 3

• Initially, get the person’s attention
• Use posture, stance, facial expression to convey attention and interest
• Use polite phrases on an adult level conveying respect
• Orient the person to identify of yourself and others, giving clues to relationships and purpose
• During the conversation, speak slowly, in a low pitched voice at normal volume

Question 4

Rules of Communicating Cont.

Answer 4

• Use simple, concrete language in short sentences conveying one idea, choice, or direction
• Don’t ask too many questions
• Let the person lead the conversation and focus on things they do remember and can talk about
• Use positive statements rather than negative ones: “please do this…” rather than “don’t do that”
• Avoid idioms
• Humor can be good but should not be aimed at the person’s inadequacies
• Never call attention to deficits or point out discrepancies