Navigating the complexities of dementia care requires more than physically supporting a loved one. It also requires a profound understanding of how to connect with someone whose cognitive abilities are deteriorating.
When communicating with a loved one experiencing dementia, it’s essential to adapt to their individual needs and preferences. Every person experiences dementia differently, and communication challenges will vary so we recommend observing and learning what works best for everyone so you can tailor your communication style to their unique abilities and preferences.
Understanding the way in which your loved one’s emotions or moods may vary from moment to moment is crucial. They may move across a range of emotions in a short timeframe, such as frustration, confusion, and anxiety. Validating their feelings and offering reassurance rather than arguing or correcting them, can reduce any distress they may be feeling. Instead, focusing on providing comfort and support can be hugely beneficial.
Communicating verbally
Communicating with a person living with dementia can be a challenging occurrence but can also be deeply rewarding. Due to the nature of dementia, some days will be tougher than others, but it’s still possible to maintain a meaningful relationship and connection with your loved one.
One of the foundational principles we enlist here at Ambridge Rose that helps greatly with clear and effective communication is to simplify your language. Avoid complex sentences, multiple questions, abstract concepts, and jargon, and instead opt for short, clear sentences spoken at a moderate pace.
Patience is one of the most valuable tools you have when communicating with a loved one with dementia. Give them enough time to process information and come up with a response. Resist the urge to interrupt or rush the conversation.
Repeating information or rephrasing questions can be helpful to clarify understanding. Active listening, demonstrating genuine interest, and acknowledging how your loved one feels, even when their words are unclear, are crucial aspects of good communication. This is often known as validation therapy.
What is Validation Therapy (VT) and how does it work?
Validation therapy is a verbal approach in dementia care that focuses on acknowledging and validating the feelings and experiences of your loved one experiencing dementia, rather than trying to reorient them to reality or lucidity. This technique recognises that your loved one’s fundamental perception of reality may be entirely different, and attempting to correct them may lead to frustration, disorientation and unnecessary distress.
When communicating with your loved one suffering from dementia, validation therapy encourages caregivers to listen attentively and empathetically to their expressions, even if they seem illogical or confused.
What else can I do to communicate with my loved one?
Maintaining the unique, wonderful connection you have with your loved one is more important than ever during their experience with dementia, and is often fostered using reminiscence therapy, a powerful tool used for communicating.
Reminiscence therapy can be used in several ways, by sharing stories and memories from the past to stimulate memories and foster a stronger sense of identity. Using trinkets, photographs, music, and other items can also be used to trigger memories and spark conversations. This can be particularly beneficial for people in the later stages of dementia, helping your loved one maintain a connection to their personal history.
Nonverbal communications
Communicating with a person living with dementia is not only verbal, it’s important to also consider non-verbal aspects of your communication style too.
Visual cues like hand gestures and facial expressions can significantly enhance comprehension for a loved one experiencing dementia. Maintaining good eye contact and adopting a calm, reassuring tone can help to create a safe and supportive environment.
Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in dementia care. Touch, when appropriate, can help to reassure or provide a sense of comfort, along with creating a calming environment through soft lighting, soothing music, and familiar objects.
Consider your loved one’s communication style too. Pay close attention to non-verbal cues, as they can often reveal emotions and needs that may not or cannot be expressed verbally.
Creating a structured routine and predictable environment can also facilitate effective communication in dementia care. Establishing routines and minimising distractions can help the dementia patient feel more safe and secure.
Finally, remember that communicating with a loved one experiencing dementia is an ongoing learning process, for them but also for you. Be patient with yourself and with the individual you are caring for and take a moment to celebrate small victories and acknowledge the challenges.
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