Communicating with Clients with Dementia - Tip # 4

How we communicate really matters and makes a difference in the client’s response. Don’t say to the client, “Don’t you remember?” Encourage all caregivers and family members to banish asking this question. If the person with Dementia remembered, he or she would not ask the same question repeatedly. What can be more effective is to supply the information the client can’t remember to them. For example, if the client is visited by a son as a surprise visit, instead of him saying, “Mom I just got in town from Boston. Do you know who I am,” it would be better if he said, “Hi Mom it’s me, Peter, your youngest son, and I just got in from Boston to see you." This will help the person with Dementia not feel embarrassed and will save face. It will also help the family members not feel like their loved one forgot them.