Ten Tips for Communicating with a Person with Dementia

1. Set a positive mood for interaction.
2. Get the person’s attention.
3. State your message clearly.
4. Ask simple, answerable questions.
5. Listen with your ears, eyes, and heart.
6. Break down activities into a series of steps.
7. When the going gets tough, distract and redirect.

What would help a patient with dementia the best?

Medications

1. Cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications — including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Razadyne) — work by boosting levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment.
2. Memantine.
3. Other medications.

What should you not say to someone with dementia?

Here are some things to remember not to say to someone with dementia, and what you can say instead.

• “You’re wrong”
• “Do you remember…?”
• “They passed away.”
• “I told you…”
• “What do you want to eat?”
• “Come, let’s get your shoes on and get to the car, we need to go to the store for some groceries.”

What are the 6 stages of dementia?

Resiberg’s system:

• Stage 1: No Impairment. During this stage, Alzheimer’s is not detectable and no memory problems or other symptoms of dementia are evident.
• Stage 2: Very Mild Decline.
• Stage 3: Mild Decline.
• Stage 4: Moderate Decline.
• Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline.
• Stage 6: Severe Decline.
• Stages 7: Very Severe Decline.

How do you make someone with dementia happy?

Continue reading to find out some suggestions of activities to do with you loved ones living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

1. Exercise and physical activity.
2. Reminisce about their life.
3. Engage them in their favourite activities.
4. Cooking and baking.
5. Animal therapy.
6. Go out and about.
7. Explore nature.
8. Read their favourite book.

Do dementia patients do better at home?

Of the 5.2 million people in the United States who have Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, 70 percent remain at home, an option that’s been shown to keep people healthier and happier and help them live longer.

Does a person with dementia know they have it?

Does someone with dementia know they have it? Families often ask “are dementia patients aware of their condition?” In some cases, the short answer is no, they’re not aware they have dementia or Alzheimer’s.

How do you cheer up someone with dementia?

Listening to music, dancing, or contact with babies, children or animals provide positive feelings. People with dementia often have excellent memories of past events, and looking through old photos, memorabilia and books can help the person to recall earlier times.

What goes on in the mind of a person with dementia?

A person with dementia feels confused more and more often. When they can’t make sense of the world or get something wrong, they may feel frustrated and angry with themselves. They may become angry or upset with other people very easily. They might not be able to say why.

How long can an 80 year old live with dementia?

Progressive brain cell death will eventually cause the digestive system, lungs, and heart to fail, meaning that dementia is a terminal condition. Studies suggest that, on average, someone will live around ten years following a dementia diagnosis.

What stage of dementia does Sundowning start?

What are the symptoms of sundowning? Sundowning is a distressing symptom that affects people in mid to late-stage Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and as the condition progresses, the symptoms tend to worsen.

How do you know what stage of dementia you have?

The Seven Stages of Dementia

1. Stage 1: No impairment.
2. Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline.
3. Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline.
4. Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline.
5. Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline.

When should a person with dementia go into a care home?

“Someone with dementia symptoms may forget where they’ve walked, and end up somewhere they don’t recognize,” Healy says. “When your loved ones are continually putting their physical safety at risk, it’s time to consider memory care.” 3. A decline in physical health.

What are six communication techniques you should use when communicating with a person with dementia?

6 nonverbal dementia communication techniques

• Be patient and calm.
• Keep voice, face, and body relaxed and positive.
• Be consistent.
• Make eye contact and respect personal space.
• Use gentle touch to reassure.
• Observe their nonverbal reactions.

How do you care for someone with dementia at home?

Dementia – home care

1. Help the person stay calm and oriented.
2. Make dressing and grooming easier.
3. Talk to the person.
4. Help with memory loss.
5. Manage behavior and sleep problems.
6. Encourage activities that are both stimulating and enjoyable.