http://www.seniorhelpforum.com/2009/05/07/tips-for-communicating-with-someone-with-dementia/ Sharing help for seniors, their family and friends for all of the challenges that come later in life. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:38:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.seniorhelpforum.com/2009/05/07/tips-for-communicating-with-someone-with-dementia/comment-page-1/#comment-145 Donahue Vanderhider, MSG Thu, 07 May 2009 15:18:43 +0000 http://www.seniorhelpforum.com/?p=1707#comment-145 Very nice summary of how to communicate. I would like to add just one thing from my experience with this population. Besides awareness of your tone of voice and body language (which is paramount, don't neglect this advice for a second), be aware of your own mood. I've noticed that people with dementia have a radar for this. If you come into a room pissed off about something, or you are just frustrated to the Nth degree - even if you moderate your choice of words, smile and talk softly, the other person will pick up on your mood and reflect it right back at you. Then you will have an agitated angry demented person to deal with...and I am sure that will not improve your original mood. just a thought...good luck to all caregivers. Very nice summary of how to communicate. I would like to add just one thing from my experience with this population. Besides awareness of your tone of voice and body language (which is paramount, don’t neglect this advice for a second), be aware of your own mood. I’ve noticed that people with dementia have a radar for this. If you come into a room pissed off about something, or you are just frustrated to the Nth degree – even if you moderate your choice of words, smile and talk softly, the other person will pick up on your mood and reflect it right back at you. Then you will have an agitated angry demented person to deal with…and I am sure that will not improve your original mood.
just a thought…good luck to all caregivers.

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