How to Talk to Dementia Patients

Many elderly individuals suffer from dementia. Symptoms of dementia frequently include forgetfulness, difficulty communicating and confusion of events, places and people. Dementia patients may forget basic tasks, such as brushing their teeth, and can experience significant mood swings. Dementia can be equally frustrating for the patient and the caregiver. Communicating with a dementia patient is not an easy task, but certain strategies can increase communication efficacy and reduce stress on both sides.

Instructions

• 1

  Minimize distractions before speaking with a dementia patient. Distractions can include the television, a barking dog or even an open window on a noisy street. As the brain ages, focus and processing skills decline. Eliminating distractions makes it easier for the patient to pay attention to what you're saying.

• 2

  Restate the present. Before explaining to Grandma Ethel that you're taking her to the doctor's office, identify yourself as her granddaughter and explain her current location. Give the concepts time to resonate before continuing to explain that the doctor is going to help with her painful hip.

• 3

  Use concise short sentences and speak in a calm, friendly tone. Read the patient's body language to confirm her understanding before continuing to speak. Even if the patient cannot understand what you're saying, hearing your angry or frustrated tone can be very stressful and upsetting.

• 4

  Repeat your question or statement using different wording or the proper names of the people involved. For example, instead of saying "You and I are going to meet your brother at the store, and then you'll ride home in his car." Say, "You and [your name] are going to meet your brother George at the store. After we leave the store, your brother George will bring you home."

• 5

  Phrase questions in a way that allows the patient to answer "yes" or "no." If there are multiple parts to a question, break them into smaller parts and ask the patient one question at a time.