Communication is one of the fundamental skills required between any human interaction and is something we emphasise when training our staff at Medistaff24.
Communication with people living with Dementia may differ from how you would communicate with someone who doesn’t.
Learning more about this can enable us as healthcare professionals and loved ones to better understand the needs and preferences of these individuals and can therefore better support them.
It is important to understand the principles of basic communication. Maintaining eye contact and an open body language shows your interest in what they have to say and enables the individual to feel more comfortable.
Providing reassurance
One of the most important things to remember when communicating with a person with Dementia is keeping a calm and reassuring tone. This shows that you are not a threat, as they may find your presence intimidating or unfamiliar.
Using familiar phrases and mentioning their name often personalises their care and therefore makes your presence less uncomfortable for them.
It is also important to not over-complicate a situation and speak in short clear sentences to aid their understanding of what is being said.
Being patient when communicating
Being patient and giving them plenty of time to understand what you are saying will make people living with Dementia feel reassured. You may have to repeat or rephrase sentences so they can better understand.
However, it is important to not be condescending or impatient as this may distress the individual.
Giving them plenty of time to respond will avoid the individual feeling pressured to answer straight away and fit your pace.
Showing compassion and empathy
People who live with Dementia have a difficult time communicating, often not understanding the intentions of the person they are speaking to or feeling like a burden due to their cognitive decline.
This is why showing compassion and empathy for their circumstance can build your trust with the individual, making daily tasks less frustrating for them.
Encourage communication
Despite their difficulties communicating, it is still vital to encourage individuals living with Dementia to join conversations where they can maintain their relationships and social interaction.
It is overall better for their mental health and involves them in social spaces.
Often, people who live with Dementia may become more timid and anxious in social spaces, and may also feel like a burden to talk to.
As healthcare professionals and loved ones, it is our responsibility to continue to treat them like an individual, despite their condition.
Conclusion
Ultimately, communication is the basis of all human relationships, and can aid us in building trustful relationships with our loved ones that live with Dementia.
It allows us to improve their overall quality of life, so that they can maintain these relationships.
In turn, this can improve their mental well-being and reduce the feeling of loneliness when we show empathy for their condition.