Caregiver’s Tips on Communicating with Dementia Patients

You have to understand that as dementia progresses, you will find it difficult to communicate with patients because the patients are having hard time expressing their thoughts and feelings. Remember that dementia will impair the patient’s thinking and communication. Do not try to change it or let the patient succumb to it.

It might be stressful caring for a dementia patient because of the wide range of emotions they emanate from anger to depression but that does not give you the reason to give up. Dementia is a serious disease here in Singapore and the world. It is time that you know how to communicate to them. Enhancing communication can help a lot at the end of the day.

Here are some tips that you can consider to communicate with dementia patients:

Voice matters: You need to talk to them slowly and clearly. It should not be too loud because it will sound annoying or even annoying. You need to use a low-pitched voice when communicating to them. Be calm as much as possible.

Face it: Sometimes it is easier not to establish eye contact but patients need that. If you talk to them, make sure that you are facing them and establish eye contact. They will feel your sincerity.

Use simple words: Do not use elaborate sentences no matter how much you want it. Dementia patients understand easily if you use short but familiar words. When talking to them, use simple sentences too. This will clearly express what you exactly want to reveal. Along the process, do not forget to give them enough time to respond. Do not be too quick on letting them know. Avoid composing complicated words.

Give one instruction at a time: It is good to give them some tasks because they will feel productive. When giving out instructions, make sure to give one at a time. Give another instruction after the first one is fulfilled successfully. You need to break the task into smaller steps.

Avoid arguments: You already know that dementia affects a person’s logic and yet you expect them to understand you fully the first time. This will only lead to more arguments or disagreements. Arguing will be futile so do not waste both your energies.

Caring for patients with dementia poses challenges but the least thing that you can do is not to give up. If you cannot really take it, you have to seek for professional group and even let the patient join a support group. It will be up to you.