A Guide to Excellence in Dementia Education, Dementia ...

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More Communication Strategies for Dementia Using Words • Simply describe what you will be doing. • Use the 7 & 7rule. • Use concrete language – not jargon. • Use words the person has used in their lifetime. • Graciously ‘fill-in the gaps’ ‒ preventing embarrassment when language or memory fails. • Avoid ‘baby talk’ or a childish tone of voice. • Use positive wording – not negative. • Allow ample time for response. Using Non-Verbals • Always make eye contact first! • Remain below eye level – kneeling or using a stool or chair. • Use exaggerated facial expressions. • Use gestures & body language. • Use props. • Use a matching ‘energy.’ Anxiety, paranoia, combativeness • Before you respond: Take a breath and take time to focus. Then, step into the ‘person’s world.’ • As always, use non-threatening tone of voice, body posture, facial expression. • Focus on and respond to the emotional content of the message – not the literal words. • Understand and use Validation approaches – to step into the person’s reality. • Understand that validating an emotion is the best way to diffuse the emotion. • Use touch when it is safe to do so, including: hand-holding, arm around back, head on shoulder, etc. • Important: Reality Orientation and Behavior Modification therapies are not appropriate for Alzheimer’s-type & related dementias. In fact, these approaches make many situations worse. © 2012. Gemini Consulting, Inc. • www.Gemini-Consulting.org • 612-749-1220 • Cold Spring, MN 56320 page 6
More Communication Strategies for Dementia MORE SKILLS to PRACTICE • Vocal Quality • Sparkly Face • Endorphin Boosts • Simple Statements Simple Statements for Changing Gears I want to show you something! I want to introduce you to someone. There’s an old friend waiting for you! Right this way, Madame! Come with me, Sir! Let’s take a walk! I could use a friend. Let’s get out of here! © 2012. www.Gemini-Consulting.org Simple Statements for Personal Needs Let’s wash-up. Let’s clean-up. Let’s use the ladies room. I’ll help you find the Men’s Room. Let’s freshen-up. I’m getting hungry! Let’s eat! Let’s get something to drink. I could use a nap. It would feel good to lie down. © 2012. www.Gemini-Consulting.org © 2012. Gemini Consulting, Inc. • www.Gemini-Consulting.org • 612-749-1220 • Cold Spring, MN 56320 page 7
Page 1 and 2: I Already Told You. . . Don’t You
Page 3 and 4: What Happens in the Alzheimer’s B
Page 5: Communication Strategies for Dement
Page 9 and 10: Understanding Dementia Strengths Pr
Page 11 and 12: A Strength-Based World Key Concepts
Page 13 and 14: Alzheimer’s Lounge: An overview S
Page 15 and 16: Severe Short Term Memory Impairment
Page 17 and 18: Be sure to introduceyourself to the

A Guide to Excellence in Dementia Education, Dementia ...

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