1. Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Finding ways to connect Communicating with residents who have dementia

2. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Dementia and the brain As dementia progresses, changes in the brain affect the ability to:  Store and retain information.  Create memories.  Make decisions.  Use language. November 2014Communication and dementia

3. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Dementia: communication in stages  Early stages: Residents repeat themselves and struggle to find the right words to use.  Middle stages: Increased difficulty with expressing oneself. Confusion and delusions may occur.  Final stages: Loss of verbal communication. Facial expressions and vocal sounds are important. November 2014Communication and dementia

4. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Communicating about pain In residents with dementia, look for nonverbal cues such as:  Grimacing  Crying or moaning  Fidgeting  Rigid posture  Resistance to care November 2014Communication and dementia

5. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Greeting a resident with dementia  Ensure the resident can see you.  Say hello and introduce yourself.  Make eye contact.  Wait for a response. November 2014Communication and dementia

6. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Communication tips  Be upbeat and reassuring.  Use simple sentences.  Minimize distractions.  Pay attention to nonverbal cues.  Engage in resident’s stories or fantasies. November 2014Communication and dementia

7. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. More communication tips  Don’t try to reason.  Keep responses to questions short and simple.  Don’t take behavior personally.  Never confront or argue with a resident. November 2014Communication and dementia

8. Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. How to cope with agitation  Report the behavior to a licensed nurse.  Speak slowly in a soft tone.  Do your best to identify the immediate cause.  Try to distract the resident.  Safety is most important. If you feel the situation poses a danger to residents or yourself, get help. November 2014Communication and dementia