29-11-09:                                                                Communication in Dementia Losing communication can be frustrating for people with dementia, their families and carers. Dignity and self- esteem are at stake. There are some practical things carers can do - attitude, body language, environment - that can make a big difference. As the illness progresses, the person with dementia finds it more and more difficult to express themselves clearly and to understand what others say. Some changes you might notice in the person with dementia are:           Difficulty finding a word - a related word is used instead.           They may talk fluently, but not make sense.           They may have trouble grasping what you are saying.           Writing and reading skills may deteriorate.           There is difficulty expressing emotions appropriately. Once poor eyesight or deafness has been ruled out, carers will be surprised to learn that communication has three parts:              Body language, facial expression, posture and gestures (a whopping 55%)              Voice tone and pitch (38%)              The words we use (just 7%) This highlights the importance of how we present to someone with dementia. Negative body language, such as sighs and raised eyebrows, are easily picked up. To communicate positively and make yourself understood and show you care, there are some simple things you can do.     Remember, feelings and emotions are there but not expressed clearly.     Always maintain their dignity and self- esteem.     Talk in a calm, gentle, matter-of-fact way.     Keep sentences short and simple, one idea at a time.     Allow plenty of time for them to understand.     Use names or labels whenever you can (like, 'your son Jack') to help them orientate.     Stay still while you talk.     Use some hand gestures and facial expressions to make yourself understood.     Pointing or demonstrating can help.     Touching and holding the person's hand may help keep their attention and show them that you     care.     Use the right environment by avoiding competing noises (like TV or radio).     Keep regular routines - this helps to minimise confusion.     Keep a consistent approach amongst carers and family, the same style of communication, with     messages repeated in exactly the same way. Avoid arguing, ordering the person around, stating what they can't do, being condescending (which includes voice tone), asking questions that rely on a good memory, or talking about them as if they are not there. Use tools such as a communication book (what's happening, who has been to visit, important phone numbers, etc), medication blister packs (checked regularly), noticeboards and reminder notes for important things, named family photos on display, and a calendar clock. In case of need do call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Back to: HOME        Back to: Health