Approach and communication
How should you approach a person living with dementia to help them feel safe and understood.
Always approach from the front, make eye contact, use a calm tone and a smile..
What are some common underlined causes of behaviors often labeled as "challenging"
An unmet need, pain, fear, confusion, frustration......
What may change for a person living with dementia besides memory loss?
Vision, perception, and understanding all can be changes cause by dementia.
What part of the brain is often affected first in Alzheimer's disease which does impacts the ability to form new memories.
Hippocampus
What is a meaningful moment
A simple interaction that brings Joy, comfort or connection
When a resident repeats a question over and over what is often the need behind the repetition?
It's not always about needing an answer. Sometimes, it's about needing to feel safe, heard, and reassured.
A resident says, "they want to go home". What is an appropriate response from a care partner?
Acknowledge their feelings, redirection and validation....
Why is it important to view situations from the resident's perspective.
This helps us connect with feelings rather than just facts...
What is the word or term use when a person living with dementia believe something is true even when it's not.
Delusion
Why is arguing with a resident about facts? Usually ineffective in people living with dementia
It not only increases the stress, anxiety and agitation. It damages the trust between that care partner and the resident.
What type of attitude or presence helps reduce stress and build trust
Calm, patient, and a reassuring presence
Why shouldn't we immediately stop a resident who is pacing/wandering.
It can increase anxiety and cause a behavior/expression, remember pacey/wandering may be a self-soothing remedy for some residents.
How can make the environment easier to understand and navigate for people living with dementia.
Keep spaces familiar, clutter-free and well lit. Lighting is so important for people living with dementia, especially as the disease progressed. Turning off lights can throw a resident off balance...
Why might a person living with dementia become increasingly confused or agitated later in the afternoon.
Sundowning-
A resident believes they need to leave for work even though they retired years ago. What dementia care principal should guide your response?
Validation. Validate the emotion behind the statement rather than correcting with facts...
How should staff communicate when a resident struggles to follow directions
Use short and clear Instructions or demonstrate the task step-by-step.
When a resident living with dementia becomes upset, agitated, or frustrated, what should a caregiver do first?
Remain calm, validate the resident's feelings, and try to identify what may be causing the distress rather than immediately correcting or redirecting them.
What emotions may be hidden behind resistance to care..
Fear, confusion, embarrassment or loss of control..
What is the best way to preserve dignity during patient care....
Always make sure to offer privacy, explain each step and involve the resident whenever possible. Do not announce what you are doing to the whole entire room....
What is the goal of creating meaningful moments
To help residents feel valued, successful" day-to-day" and understood.
What communication style is most effective when a resident is overwhelmed or confused.
First slow down, use simple words that are easy to be understood, focus on one ideal at a time.
When a resident refuses care, such as bathing, dressing, or changing clothes, what is the best way to respond?
Respect their refusal, offer simple choices, and try a different approach or return later; ask a coworker.
Why might a dark rug on the floor? Be frightening to a person living with dementia.
They may perceive it as a whole step or an obstacle.
What three things should caregivers consider when trying to understand the reason behind a behavior..
The person's physical need, emotional needs, and environment.
What care approach focuses on preserving a person's ability, choices and sense of self.
Person centered care