Dementia severely impairs communication skills along with the decline in cognitive abilities. Patients may have difficulty finding words or forget what they meant to say. This situation can make them angry and withdrawn.
Ways to Overcome Communication Barriers
- Be Directive: Instead of open-ended questions, ask short questions with choices like "Would you like tea or water?"
- Use Body Language: When words lose their meaning, a compassionate touch or a sincere smile makes the patient feel safe.
- Don't Force Reality: If the patient asks about a relative who passed away years ago, it is best to provide emotional support and distract them rather than repeatedly confronting them with the bitter truth.
Pace yourself to their speed; give them time to answer and avoid completing their sentences for them.
