DEM 308 Understand the role of communication and interactions with individuals who have dementia

1. Understand that individuals with dementia may communicate in different ways

1.1 Explain how individuals with dementia may communicate through their behaviour

The way a person is behaving is usually a good indicator of what they are trying to communicate, especially if they have difficulty expressing their feelings with words. Body language will also provide clues. People wish to be heard and validated and the way they behave may indicate how they are feeling. so a person presenting as angry may be feeling frustrated. People presenting as sad may be experiencing vivid memories of a past event that seems very real and current to
A white board may be used with the date written on it reminding clients of what has already happened and what will happen next. This may assist with reducing anxiety and uncertainty about anticipated events. Photos can be put up of family and a newspaper can provide daily stimulation. For example, one client benefits greatly from a white board which reminds her that a carer called at breakfast and another carer will visit at lunchtime etc. This stops the client from spending all day believing they have not seen anybody.

Validation Therapy works by entering the client’s reality rather than trying to bring them back to our reality. Some dementia clients can no longer make sense of the present so the validation method helps to understand and empathize with the needs the person is trying to express. Validating their words and actions is a way of encouraging them to keep communication open with the rest of the world. In this way empathy is developed with the person, building a sense of trust and security. For example, a client who believes her soft toys are her babies would be distressed to be told that it is not true, so it is better to talk to the client about her babies which are very real to her.

3. Understand the factors which can affect interactions and communication of individuals with dementia

3.1 List the physical and mental needs that may