Frequently Asked Questions
Even though dementia related conditions are neuropathological, that is the condition affects how the brain and nervous system functions, dementia affects more than just the brain. Consequently, how we interact and relate to someone living with a dementia related condition can make a huge difference. We can make things better, or we can make things worse. Above all, we need to be able to adapt to the changing circumstances of people living with dementias.
To help make sense of the mine field of advice, here we answer some of the questions that are frequently asked.
What are the best communication tips and techniques for dementia?
During her research Dr. Kruger came across many tips and techniques that "put the icing on the cake" when it comes to relating, communicating, and connecting with a person who is living with a dementia. Jump onto the Education and Support page and book a session to help your relationships in your travels with dementia. Or to get started, choose one of our Virtual Dementia Support Backpacks. Read more…
How can I relate to someone living with dementia?
There are some fundamentals of communicating and relating with someone living with a dementia. That is, there are some basic things you can do to help your relationships. There are many more, which you can learn about when booking a session on our Education and Support page.
The fundamentals of communicating and relating include:
The fundamentals of communicating and relating include:
- When meeting someone with advancing dementia it is always good to introduce yourself. This may be your first name, and if you know the person may have difficulty knowing where you ‘fit in’ in their life, also say your relationship or why you are there. You may need to introduce yourself each time you have contact, especially if you work with the person. In a work situation it is good to wear a name tag with your first name in large lettering, but also say your name to those with whom you come in contact.
Why do some people living with dementia make things up?
Can I ask you “what is reality?” Defining “reality” has puzzled philosophers for eons. Do we all experience the world as the same uniform experience? Or do we perceive things differently? How can we know?
We can never enter the mind of another person to know what she or he is experiencing, and whether that is the same as our experience. All we can do is know our own reality. And bear in mind that people can experience the same event differently, it all depends on what is important to the individual.
Read more…
We can never enter the mind of another person to know what she or he is experiencing, and whether that is the same as our experience. All we can do is know our own reality. And bear in mind that people can experience the same event differently, it all depends on what is important to the individual.
Read more…
What is "Rementia"?
“Rementia” is a term the late Tom Kitwood coined in the 1980s when his focus was on the origins of dementia. Read more…
Should we use the term "behaviours" when talking about people living with dementia?
The word “behaviours” comes with quite negative connotations. That is, if you think of a child and his or her behaviour, what comes to mind? Generally, the picture will be of a child being mischievous or disrupting others, that is, the term “behaviours” generally creates an impression of “misbehaving”. Consequently, it is not a useful word when referring to people living with dementias. Read more…
Should a person living with dementia be called a patient?
A person living with a dementia related condition is only a patient, like any one of us, when he or she, requires particular health care. So the person is a patient when under the treatment of a medical or dental professional. Read more…
What should someone do if they are concerned about dementia?
There are many ways to change your approach that can help if you are concerned about dementia. Read more…
Why can showering or bathing cause problems?
Can I ask you; how would you feel if you had to be naked in front of someone you may consider a stranger? Can I also ask, what if you were used to having a bath and you were forced to have a shower? What if you liked having a shower at the end of the day and now someone is telling you to shower in the morning? There are many reasons why showering and bathing can be confronting. Read more…
How can I help support someone living with dementia?
Be there, and be willing to learn. Don’t accept that there is only one way to do things, there are multiple. Be very wary of anyone saying that dementia is the end. It’s not. It’s just a condition a person is living with. There is no need to fear, as support is available to help you on your dementia travels, whether you have a dementia, or supporting someone who has.
Connections Matter is here for you, helping you feel valued.
Stay tuned for more questions and answers! Email us @ Connections Matter with your dementia related questions.
Connections Matter is here for you, helping you feel valued.
Stay tuned for more questions and answers! Email us @ Connections Matter with your dementia related questions.
>> Contact us @ Connections Matter <<
Also see < Communic8 Workshops < Communic8 Intensives < Dementia - Communic8 Intensives < Dementia Blog
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