Home Instead Hagley communication guide to care for someone living with dementia
In this guide, we share top tips on how to support someone with dementia who may exhibit repetitive behaviour and how as a care company we are leaders in dementia training.
Home Instead Hagley communication guide to care for someone living with dementia
Recognising emotions in dementia care
People who may want hourly or live-in care at home to assist them to live with dementia can often be repetitive, saying the same things many times because they quickly forget the answer which they have been given. As a homecare provider with years of experience and expertise, we understand that this can be frustrating for everyone, so the first tip is to try to stay calm, try to concentrate on finding a solution.
Initially, of course, it is natural to just talk normally and this may be fine in the early stages of dementia. Keeping phrases short and concise can help the person to understand the answer in simple terms and this may be enough for them to move on. If you give a long or detailed answer to someone with dementia, it will be difficult for them to remember or join up the distinct parts of the conversation. If appropriate, try to include words, ideas or emotions that will be reassuring so that the answer gives feelings that they are happy, and everything is OK. You can also help to keep things simple by asking ‘yes or no’ questions or questions that only require short answers and offer the person a small number of options they can choose from.
Learnings from Home Instead (Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen)
At Home Instead (Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen), we recognise that active listening is important when talking with someone who has dementia, taking care to notice emotions, body language and expression as well as the words used. Maintain eye contact and be aware of your own body language too. Sometimes addressing the feeling that is causing the question can be more effective than answering the question. Physical contact, a hug or hand holding can have a calming effect which is enough to remove the anxiety which is causing the repeated question.
Better quality, caring conversations for someone who is living with dementia
Home Care and dementia realities
Whilst taking note of emotions, it is also important to recognise that someone who has dementia also lives in their own version of reality. Most care experts agree that repeatedly answering with our own version of truth or reality can cause unnecessary sadness and it is often better to try to ‘live in their world’. It would not be uncommon for someone with dementia to ask what time their partner will get home from work. Answering in a sensitive, caring way that fits with their version of reality is usually the kindest response. We recognise that this isn’t easy so Home Instead Care runs community dementia workshops to help family to understand how to use these techniques.
Dementia care distraction techniques
It is well known that distraction can be highly effective when communicating with someone who has dementia. There are many ways to do this, but it is always best to introduce something that they will enjoy. Discussions can be sensitively ‘parked’ with a promise that you will come back to it later, then it could be food and drink, or a simple activity that they can do with you or on their own. Our carers understand that asking them a question in return or introducing a new topic that they enjoy talking about can also be successful. Humour can be a wonderful way to break the cycle too.
Dementia Care and staying calm
It isn’t easy to stay calm in these situations, so it is also important in dementia care, to know that it is OK to take a break, go outside or into a different room for a deep breath, listen to some music, find someone else who can lend a helping hand or distract yourself with a different activity before returning, when you will both be feeling more relaxed and the subject may have changed.
Home Instead (Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen) dementia care experience
At Home Instead Care Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen, we have a long history and years of experience in supporting people who are living with dementia, pioneering the way and receiving Princess Royal Training Awards in 2016 and 2019. More information is available from the Alzheimer’s Society and Home Instead Care has even written its own book “Confidence to Care” which is available on Amazon, but why not give us a call and collect your copy from the office in Hagley?
