Table 4. Communication Strategies Communication Strategies
Steps Minimize stressful communication • Pose questions in a manner the person can answer; don’t offer multiple responses
• If the person is struggling, provide reassurance and encouragement • Use visual aids/cues as appropriate to redirect and/or distract • Have a calendar to the show date and schedule • Avoid responses to bad language or defiance • Remember the disease is acting out; the person cannot control aspects of ADRD • Recognize that personality changes occur
Do not criticize, threaten, correct, or argue
Avoid distractions
• Limit loud background noise and unexpected sounds • Create a calm, quiet environment • Arrange lighting to avoid shadows • Let the person be the center of importance • Integrate music, but avoid loud, overbearing sounds
Communicate with visual cues
• Use gestures, such as taking the person to the toilet; opening the door to suggest taking a walk; showing a jacket to encourage dressing to leave the house • Have a large clock to detail time and scheduled activities
Integrate communication breaks
• Communication can become frustrating • Set specific quiet time to mitigate stressful situations
Note: Adapted from Mueller et al. (2018)
STYLISTIC SUGGESTIONS WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH THE AD PATIENT
Affirm, distract, and redirect Affirm the person or action with validating statements: “I see that you are upset”; followed by distracting: “I’m sorry you are upset—would you like to have lunch?” These statements are more manageable for an AD patient who may lack capacity to Respond with warmth and reassurance Focus on the feelings the AD patient expresses. Respond with verbal and physical expressions of comfort, warmth, and reassurance. If the patient is comfortable with touch, offer your Reminisce and maintain a sense of humor Let the patient share stories, as patients will have an easier time remembering their personal history and things from the past. Embrace the patient, not the behavior ADRD may lead to changes in personality. Compassion will serve the caregiver well when addressing needs and behaviors. For example, if the person wants to sleep on the floor instead of the bed, ensure safety and let them. As a patient senses a loss of control over their life, they may act out. Permit safe choices that may be nontraditional. Healthcare Consideration: It is important that members of the care team collaborate to explore new technological options that can improve communicative opportunities. Assistive technologies can provide monitoring, communication, various therapies, medication reminders, socialization, and education. They can also support a sense of independence (Palmdorf et al., 2021).
communicate clearly. Redirection that can improve the situation could be suggesting a walk or looking at photos. This approach will need to be modified based on the specific context but can defuse difficult situations.
hand as a gesture of safety and kindness. Respect boundaries, go slowly, and let the patient know that you are a loving presence.
Encourage the person to share photos and personal images, and if they are open to questions, ask them to share.
Self-Assessment Quiz Question #5 What type of clothing will be helpful for a patient with AD?
a. Items with elastic waists. b. Items with small zippers. c. Overalls. d. Belts.
Page 8
Book Code: PYIL1824
EliteLearning.com/Psychology
Powered by FlippingBook