![]() If you need more tips on how to approach communication, Talking Point is the Alzheimer's Society online community, where people can ask questions and share experiences on how to best support someone with dementia. Just make sure the person doesn't feel you are laughing at them.Ĭhoose a place that is familiar and private to bring up any more difficult conversations, and allow plenty of time, so the conversation is not rushed. Humour can help to relieve tension and bring you closer together, so try to laugh about misunderstandings and mistakes. So how can you save an awkward moment? If the person you're talking to is having difficulty understanding you, try to rephrase what you're saying in a slightly different way. Small things can make a big difference and by making a few adjustments, people with dementia can live better with their condition. Visit the website for more information or donate at ĭespite your best efforts, conversations might not always develop the way you hope they will. ![]() The Alzheimer's Society works to help end the devastation caused by dementia, providing help and hope for everyone affected. A third of us will develop dementia in our lifetimes.This helps keep their dignity intact and aids concentration too. Try this instead: Always remember the person behind the dementia, using their name as often as appropriate. This is sometimes referred to as "elderspeak" and can cause older people to feel infantilised. This is particularly true if this is not how they were referred to before having dementia. Words like "love", "honey" and "dear" can sometimes be patronising for people living with dementia. Try this instead: It's better to give directions or instructions one step at a time, so use short, simple sentences as much as possible.Īvoid speaking in loud environments and wait until you have the person's full attention before you start talking. It's hard to process many ideas at once as cognitive abilities slow down. Long, complex plans or sentences can be difficult to grasp for somebody with dementia. 'Let's have a cup of tea, then we can go for a walk and get lunch in your favourite cafe' Remember, the person cannot help repeating themselves and it is important for them to feel heard too. Try this instead: Aim to answer repeated questions calmly and patiently.Īnd if you feel the need, take a break and remove yourself from the conversation for a while. It is likely to just remind them of their condition, which can be distressing for you both. ![]() However, reminding the person that you have just answered their question will not help them retain the information for next time. It can be difficult answering the same question several times, especially when you are trying to keep frustration or upset from your voice. Instead of posing a question, try leading with: "I remember when?" That way, they can search their memory calmly without feeling embarrassed, then join in if they like. ![]() ![]() Try this instead: It can be pleasant and comforting to talk about the past, however, it's usually more helpful to lead the conversation and allow the person to join in. This can be a frustrating or painful experience, and there's also no evidence that prompting the person in this way will help them to recall or hold on to those memories. It can also sometimes feel like the person is being tested. While it can be tempting to try to jog the memory of somebody living with dementia, this kind of question is often a reminder of memories lost. ![]()
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