Try: Try to get cr’s attention before you begin talking approach cr from the front identify yourself and call him her by name try to maintain eye contact visual communication is very important facial expressions and body language add vital
Materials: n/a
Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Medical Physical, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory
Information: To the communication for example you are able to see a person person’s anger frustration excitement or lack of comprehension by watching the expression on his or her face try to be attentive show that you are listening and trying to understand what cr is saying use a gentle and relaxed tone of voice as well as friendly facial expressions when talking try to keep your hands away from your face also avoid mumbling or talking with food in your mouth if you smoke don’t talk with a cigarette between your lips try to speak naturally speak distinctly but don’t shout speak at a normal rate — not too fast or too slow use pauses to give cr time to process what you’re saying use short simple and familiar words try to keep it simple give one-step directions ask only one question at a time identify people and things by name avoiding pronouns try to be positive instead of saying don’t do that say let let’s try this if cr doesn’t understand what you said try rephrase rather than repeat what you just said if cr didn’t understand the words the first time it is unlikely he she will understand them a second time try to understand the words and gestures cr is using to communicate adapt to his her way of communicating; don’t force cr to try to understand your way of communicating try to reduce background noise such as from the tv or radio when speaking in addition to making it harder to hear the tv or radio can compete with you for cr cr’s attention try to encourage cr to continue to express his her thoughts even if he she is having difficulty be careful not to interrupt avoid criticizing correcting and arguing try to keep in mind the importance of non-verbal communication the presence touch gestures and attention of you can help to communicate acceptance reassurance and love to cr in all cases treat cr with dignity and respect don’t speak down to him her or speak to others as if he she is a child or isn’t present
References: Adapted from www webmd com improving communication with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease patients by jon glass 2012
Keywords: Communication conversation
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed