When a loved one or patient is suffering from dementia, maintaining communication can be one of the toughest challenges for caregivers or family members.
The patient’s limited understanding, environmental confusion, and verbal skills can lead to non-response—or increasing frustration for both parties.
Consider the following steps to keep the conversation comfortable and easy to follow:
First, prepare yourself for the conversation by getting into a patient, calm, and respectful mindset.
Remember, while your patient may have limited cognitive functioning now—they are still the person you, or their family, have loved and admired.
Moreover, make the environment as comfortable as possible. This means removing distractions, getting their attention, relaxing your body language, and maintaining eye contact.
Also, keep the conversation clear and easy to understand.
Dementia patients may struggle with focus or comprehension, so make sure your conversations are as simple and clear as possible. That may mean you need to slow your normal speed or limit conversation topics, but it’ll be worthwhile when you can get meaningful responses by speaking calmly, clearly, and slowly.
And of course, focus on non-verbal communication, too. A friendly smile and reassuring eye contact, as well as appropriate physical touch, go a long way to help your patient feel comfortable enough to respond.
Helping your loved one navigate dementia can be a challenge, but with the right assistance from our Home Care in Troy, Michigan it can be an opportunity to treat your loved one with compassion and respect.
Learn more about How Much Does Home Care Cost and find the right care by reaching out to Demand Home Care LLC.
We’re always happy to answer any questions and connect you with the right In Home Care Services in Michigan for your family. Call us at 800-443-2603!
