By now, you already know a lot about challenging behaviour of people with dementia.

In this module you will get 10 tips on how to engage in conversation with people with dementia. A video has also been added to clarify everything once more.

At the end you see a padlet with questions to reflect what you have learned.

Feel free to write these down. That way we can learn from each other too!

Introduction

Communicating with people with dementia is still quite possible in most cases, but the dementia does make it more difficult. Read these tips carefully to make sure communication is effective.

Tip 1: Introduce yourself

Possibly the person with dementia does not know you. If necessary, use a nameplate.

Tip 2: Connect with attention

Bend your knees or grab a chair. Pay attention to your non-verbal communication and make eye contact.

Tip 3: Keep it simple

Keep your communication simple. Discuss 1 topic at a time. Ask 1 question at a time!

Tip 4: Notice someone's reaction

Notice someone's reaction and respond accordingly. Name the feelings you see in someone.

Tip 5: Know someone's life history

Know someone's life history. That way, you know important events in someone's life and can more easily engage with someone about them.

Tip 6: Compliments

Hand out compliments. Reward someone who does something well. Never hand out punishments.

Tip 7: Take people seriously

Take people with dementia seriously. Try to find out what someone meant. By repeating phrases and asking through.

Tip 8: Do not ask facts

Do not ask about facts or events of today or yesterday. Ask open-ended questions.

Tip 9: Show commitment

Show commitment. Even if someone has already told the same story several times. For example, ask how someone experienced it.

Tip 10: Affirm feelings

Give space to show feelings and offer support

Watch the video below. It will give you knowledge about communicating with people with dementia:

Bibliografie

(2023, april 6). Opgehaald van youtube Communication with dementie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVi90XUExy4

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/picture-frame-banner-status-badge-3042585/. (2023, april 6). Opgehaald van pixabay: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/picture-frame-banner-status-badge-3042585/

https://vankleefinstituut.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Communicatie-bij-dementie-10-tips.pdf. (2023, april 6). Opgehaald van van Kleef instituut: https://vankleefinstituut.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Communicatie-bij-dementie-10-tips.pdf

vraagteken. (2023, april 17). Opgehaald van https://pixabay.com/illustrations/question-mark-question-response-1019820/: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/question-mark-question-response-1019820/