Dementia-- Senile-? How to approach someone with Dementia- great info!

knowabaouthealth.com

You know years ago when a family had someone that wasn't really "withit" we said oh don't bother Aunt so&so she is senile.  Maybe your aunt couldn't remember something or was just very confused-- wandered the streets, easily lost and just "outofit"-- amazing that now many times now they call that Dementia or Alzheimer's. 
Well let me ask you this... When you have people you  know that have Dementia do you know how to approach them? One note to keep in mind-- don't keep saying "don't you remember me?" it is already very confusing and you have to continue going along with what they are saying-- as frustrated as you may be-- think of an entire day of FRUSTRATION-


When you approach the person with dementia:

• Maintain your distance and avoid rushing toward them.
• Make eye contact at their level with a pleasant face before touching or speaking.
• Sit with them if they are sitting. Walk with them if they are walking.
• Call them by name; introduce yourself if they don’t recognize you.

During your interaction:

• Speak in low-pitched voice and converse in a calm, soothing manner. Use adult language; don’t assume the position of the parent.
• Avoid “questioning them”; instead initiate conversation by saying “tell me about ...”
• Use simple sentences and give choices of two. Give them time to process and respond to your request. Note their body language.
• Listen to what they say. Respond to and validate their emotions.
• If they don’t seem to understand, then revise, repeat, restate, or even demonstrate.

When they speak about things that don’t seem quite “right” to you:

• Speak in their reality; listen and talk about what they are talking about.

Dementia defined