Communicating with Dementia Residents
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always approach in a calm manner
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do not startle by approaching from behind
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establish eye contact
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state your name and what your function is on each occasion
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explain tasks and thoughts in simple, easy to understand
terms
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present one idea at a time
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if necessary to repeat use the same wording
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do not rush
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do not talk to resident as if they are a child
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use creativity and flexibility in your approaches
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praise all attempts
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demonstrate by modeling an activity
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if the resident becomes overwhelmed redirect
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avoid arguing
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be consistent
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provide constant reassurance