ADVERTORIAL COMMUNICATING WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS DEMENTIA Dementia affects how people express themselves and understand what is being communicated to them. For the person with dementia, maintaining relationships can be a complex process especially when verbal communication is affected. Actions related to communication-whether positive or negative can manifest itsell in someone with dementia very differently than someone without dementia, such as: having difficuity finding a word, creatng new words for ones that are forgotten, repeating a word or phrase, difficulty organizing words into logical sentences, cursing or using other otlensive language, reverting to their mother tongue, tsiking less than usual, or rarely talking at al There are, however, simple ways you could improve your communication. When you speak to them, try to remain calm and talk in a gende, matter-of-fact way, keep sentences short and simple, focusing on one idea at a time Aways alow plenty of time for what you have said to be understood, and use orientating names or labels whenever you can, such as Your son,Jack A caring demeanor when communicating is also important People retain their feelings and emotions even though they may not understand what is being said. Be flexible, and aways alo plerty of time for a resporse. Where appropriate, use bouch to keep the person's atention and to communicate feelings of warmth and affection Use body language, ike hand gestures and tacial expressions to make yourself understood. Pointing or demonstrating can help. Touching and holding the person's hand may help keep their attention and show them that you care.A warm smle and shared laughter can otten communicate more than words would Try to avoid competing noises, such as the TV or radio, and stay still while you talk this makes it easier for the person with dementia to follow what you're saying Eftective communication with someone that has dementa is not just about what you should do, but also, what you shouldnt do. Don't argue with the person, it will only make the situation worse. Dont order them around, and tell them what they cant do, but rather, speak gently and tell them what they can do Don t ask a lot of direct questions that rely on a good memory for a response and asty, don't talk about them in front of them, as if they're not there t One Kenton Place effective communication with our residents and amongst our beam members is not only one of the most important elements of what we do day in and day out,it's also ntegrated into our mission, vision and values. We take our communication seruly and are constantly looking for ways to evolve, and improve the lves of our residen's. KENTON PLACE onekentonplaceca 647-932-7913 RUTH DAYAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ruth Dayan has almost two decades of experience working in the healthcare industry, with a special focus in Aheimers and Dementia care. Her experience spans across all sectors of healthcare, including the management and day-to-day operations of two large Long Term Care homes. Ruth is a certified Long Term Care Administrator. She also holds certifications in Quality leprovement Facilitation Alheimer's and Dementia Care (Montessori, GPA, Hush no Rusih) and Lean Principles.