How to talk and communicate effectively with dementia patients

One of the biggest mistakes we make as dementia caregivers is to use too many words.In other words, we try andexplain to persons living withdementia why what they are saying or doing is wrong.By Bob DeMarcoAlzheimer's Reading RoomOr,we try to explain to them why it is important to take a shower or take their medication. When they say No,we try to explain to them why they should say, Yes.This doesn't work.Learn More -How to Listen to an Alzheimer's PatientWhen Alzheimer's patients are given theMini-Cog test to diagnose dementia they are asked to remember 3 words. If they have dementia they won't be able to remember those words a couple of minutes later.Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail:If they can't remember3 words what would lead you to the conclusion that theycan understand and remember your long winded explanations? They can't and they won't.Usually the only thing you accomplish by beinglong winded is to cause the person living with dementiato become confused.What happens when they become confused? The becomemean. Either in theirwords, or in theiractions.What happens next?The caregiver becomes frustrated and sometimes angry and mean.Coping with DementiaThere were times when I tried toexplain to my mother, Dotty, theerrors in her way of thinking andacting. I would usually try to bekind and understanding while I did this.It did not work. In fact, more often than not she would becomeupset, go into her bedroom, get in bed, curl up in a ball, andrefuse to ...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimers care alzheimers communication tips family caregiving help alzheimer's help with dementia care how to communicate with dementia patients how to communicate with dementia patients effectively Source Type: blogs