Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Communication and Dementia: When words no longer have meaning December 2010

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Communication Is the basis for all relationships  Informal or casual –For example: co-workers, business associates  Close relationships –For example: friends and family Communicating with someone who has dementia can be challenging because words lose their meaning. December 2010 Communication and dementia

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2010 Communication and dementia Communication Communication can be:  Verbal –Using words to express thoughts, feelings, needs  Nonverbal –Body language

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2010 Communication and dementia Nonverbal messages  Facial expression –Smile, frown, grimacing  Posture –Slumped or upright  Body position –Turning one’s back, facing someone straight-on  Gestures –Palms up, palms together, shaking a finger at someone What do the above examples mean to you? Can you think of more?

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2010 Communication and dementia Early dementia  The person my understand most of what you say  Sometimes finding the right word is difficult for them  Recall of recent events is usually impaired Caregiver tips:  Speak slowly and clearly  Allow the person time to reply  Be patient  Pay attention to body language signals

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2010 Communication and dementia Moderate dementia  The person may make statements that do not make sense  Has difficultly naming objects  May become easily frustrated  Withdrawal is common Caregiver tips:  Never argue; it is better to gently redirect the conversation  Re-orient the person with simple, clear statements  Keep the environment as calm and soothing as possible  Use body language to communicate caring, calmness

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2010 Communication and dementia Advanced dementia  Speech may be absent or not intelligible (gibberish)  May have lost the ability to ambulate  Swallowing may be impaired Caregiver tips:  Use gentle touch, soft soothing voice, holding hands Remember, that while words are meaningless, this person can still be comforted with nonverbal communication! This is powerful—and beautiful—caregiving!

Copyright © 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2010 Communication and dementia Why is nonverbal communication so important?  People with dementia may lose their verbal skills but they usually retain their nonverbal skills  Caregivers can use this knowledge to improve the quality of life for someone with dementia