Dementia Practice Webinar Series: Enhancing communication in Dementia Support

It sure it’s a huge learning curve- hearing some of the problems within a dementia facility, fills me with dread should I be unfortunate enough to have to move my dear wife and friend into such an environment. Hearing about the way these poor souls are having to deal with what could upset them. Right now , my wife has difficulty even finding her way around our home. Moving here a year ago because my daughter wanted to sell her rental property where we lived for 4.5 years was very traumatic. At night - the need for the toilet - I’m woken to provide light and a direction - “ pointing - “ out that door then right and right! Providing guidance constantly - where the fridge is - the pantry! Also Very aware of the attitude “ oh, they’ve got Alzheimer’s My most recent lesson - don’t ask “ why are you getting aggressive “ - it rebounds immediately! No matter how calmly I have said it. Try and report what the plan is for the next step. Normally , Ruth has always washed her own hair but “ tomorrow “ is always a good time. Delay after delay. Finally, I arranged a treat for a hair wash. Immediately she became aggressive, I made the mistake of saying - it’s not like you to be aggressive. Eventually not responding to any comments. We EVENTUALLY got her to a hairdresser. She enjoyed it thoroughly - sadly I didn’t video the event. “ for the next time “ ‘

Communication: Important to introduce yourself. Who you are. Why you’re here. What benefit to the person/client are you. Sharon’s explanation about using common sense and being empathetic to the individual and being respectful is so good and important By being respectful and polite to a client (including in front of others) engenders reciprocal respect. Just because a person is living with dementia doesn't mean they are no longer their individual selves and understand what going on but just not able to communicate back to others. I think it vital that all carers understand that the person living with dementia used to be a healthy, vital, average (or not) person and that they just happen to have this debilitating illness and they need our help to live the best life they can.

Thanks so much for the presentation it’s absolutely an enhancement working with people with undiagnosed and diagnosed conditions.

Communication is very important to everyone living in or working with these categories of people who could be anywhere in the community