I have supported clients that suffer from dementia. This on top of being deaf can have a huge effect on the person affected. They may fear their loss of memory and thinking skills, but they also fear the loss of who they are.
They may also find they do not understand what's going on or why they feel they
are not in control of what's happening around them or to them.
Encouraging someone with dementia to communicate.
Try to start a conversation with the person especially if you notice that they're starting fewer conversations themselves. It can help to:
- sign/ speak clearly and slowly, using short sentences
- make eye contact with the person when they are communicating or asking questions
- give them time to respond, because they may feel pressured if you try to speed up their answers
- encourage them to join in conversations with others
- let them sign/speak for themselves during discussions about their welfare or health issues
- try not to patronise them, or ridicule what they say
acknowledge what they have said, even if they do not answer your question, or what they say seems out of context – show that you have listened and encourage them to say more about their answer
- give simple choices – avoid creating complicated choices or options
- use other ways to communicate – such as rephrasing questions because they cannot answer in the way they used to
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