Do you have a loved one with dementia? Do you leave a conversation with them feeling dejected, impatient and irritable?
Good news…current research provides effective ways to communicate with patients with dementia that not only improve their quality of life, but also ease the frustration of caregivers and family.
More and more efforts are being made to help caregivers with what is known as “therapeutic communication.”
According to a professor at Medical University in Sofia, Bulgaria, as individuals age, some need physical assistive care, but because dementia affects the mind, individuals with it also require someone to be patient with them and understand their emotional, as well as physical needs.
The challenge, however, is making a connection so both of you can understand each other. There are multiple tactics within therapeutic communication, but one of the most important ones is empathic curiosity. Researchers from the University of Manchester emphasized the importance of empathy which then builds connection and trust. Curiosity aims to discover the purpose behind a behavior and gives value to a person’s thoughts and concerns.
For example, if someone with dementia is refusing to get out of bed, rather than ordering, “You have to get up now,” instead try asking, “Are you tired?” commiserating, “I had a hard time getting moving this morning too” and offering a choice, “Let’s start slowly. Would you like to put on your robe or get dressed?"
This allows a means for human connection and affirms their worth as individuals.
Content for this segment was created by Ali Barker as part of a project for SC301: Foundations of Health Communication, taught by Brooke Hildebrand-Clubbs
Websites:
http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp
http://www.nursingtimes.net/download?ac=1283058
Additional Sources:
Balkanska, P. (2012). Communication problems within families with patients with dementia. Psychological Thought, 5(2), 106-112.
McEvoy, P. & Plant, R. (2014). Dementia care: using empathic curiosity to establish the common ground that is necessary for meaningful communication. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 21(6), 477-482.
