In this regard, a team of experts revealed a list of 12 tips, including 10 phrases that should never be said to a patient with dementia, as they may cause him stress or confusion. They are:
1. Don’t you remember?
Experts warn that this question may force the patient to admit that he does not remember an event or conversation, which makes him feel uncomfortable, tense or embarrassed.
Instead of asking this question, experts recommend starting the sentence with “I remember when” before continuing the conversation.
This way, the patient can search for the memory calmly, without any feelings of tension or embarrassment, the experts said.
Experts say the second most important thing to never do with a person with dementia is to remind them that they asked the same question. They may do this because of short-term memory loss or when they are struggling to express an emotional need or desire.
They warned that reminding patients that they had just asked the question earlier would not help them remember next time, but would instead remind them of their condition, which could be painful.
Experts advised stakeholders to answer frequently asked questions calmly and patiently with a balanced tone of voice.
3. “Your brother died ten years ago.”
Difficulty remembering events is a hallmark of dementia, including deaths in the family that occurred years or decades ago.
Experts say that reminding patients of the death of a loved one can be very painful, and they may react as if they are hearing the news for the first time again.
Instead, talk to them about the deceased person, then distract them by moving on to a new topic.
4. “You are wrong”
People with dementia often confuse facts, events, and words because of their condition.
But experts say you should never tell a patient that what they said is incorrect, adding that trying to correct the mistake may make them angry.
5. Using long and complex sentences
Experts say that long, complex sentences are unacceptable to people with dementia. They can be difficult to process because they express several ideas at once.
Instead, people should use short, simple sentences to clearly express their ideas or give directions or instructions.
6. “What did you do this morning?”
Experts say people should avoid asking people with dementia open-ended questions about what they did in the past, as it can be stressful if they can’t answer. It’s better to focus on what’s happening in the present.
7. “You seem fine.”
Experts say dementia symptoms and experiences can vary greatly among people with the condition.
“Society often has a preconceived notion of what dementia looks like and behaves like, and if someone doesn’t fit that stereotype, it can be tempting to use the phrase as a compliment,” said Adria Thompson, a licensed speech-language pathologist in Massachusetts. “However, the phrase can diminish an individual’s daily struggles and experiences with dementia.”
8. “Do you know me?”
It can be distressing for people with dementia to be asked if they remember someone, especially if they have a close relationship with them. The person may feel guilty or anxious if they do not remember.
9. “I’ll help you use your little spoon or do your chores, dear.”
Experts say that in general, talking to a person with dementia as if he were an old person or a child should be avoided.
This includes using a loud voice and using words like “darling” and “honey.”
They said it might be a good idea to speak more slowly than usual or lower your voice if that would help the patient.
10. “Your words are meaningless.”
Experts say it is important not to criticise the way a person with dementia communicates with others, as this can damage their self-esteem.
Instead, they suggested that people be patient and make an effort to understand his point of view.
11. “You are being difficult on purpose.”
Experts have warned that describing a person with dementia’s behaviour as “difficult” could increase frustration, and recommend using “empathy and understanding”.
12. Not formulating daily practices as questions.
If you are the primary caregiver responsible for your loved one’s toileting, bathing, feeding, or sleeping schedule, you should start by saying, “Let’s go to the bathroom or kitchen.”
Source: Daily Mail
#Phrases #People #Dementia
2024-08-28 13:37:07
