Positive interaction and communication with individuals

Understand and enable positive interaction and communication with individuals who have dementia (DEM312) 1.1 explain how different forms of dementia may affect the way an individual communicates. Loss of communication follows different patterns for different types of dementia, sometimes also varies by individual. It becomes increasingly more difficult for a person with dementia to communicate effectively, and this can vary from person to person, and by the type of dementia they have, and how far progressive it has become. Some of the different types of dementia include: Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia with Lewy Bodies Parkinson’s.

Dementia affects an individual’s capacity to remember and recognise things, as well as lose their ability to speak and understand speech. It also affects their motor skills. All of these factors combined can make it extremely difficult for a person with dementia to communicate. Stages of dementia :

No impairment. At this stage, there are no obvious signs of dementia and people are still able to function independently. Very mild. Dementia signs are barely noticeable and simply appear to be the kind of forgetfulness associated with aging — such as misplacing keys but finding them again after some searching. Mild. At this stage, patients are “usually able to do basic activities of daily living,” says Shah — which means they can perform their daily routines, such as getting up, going to the bathroom, getting dressed, and so on, without difficulty.

Moderate. At this stage patients have “trouble doing routine tasks that they always did, such as cooking, laundry, or using the phone,” explains Shah. Moderately severe. At this stage, dementia patients will need some assistance with their day-to-day activities. Severe. “Caregivers have to help a lot more with day-to-day activities” at this stage, says Shah. Very severe. This is the final stage of the disease. Symptoms of dementia during this stage include: Loss of language skills, Loss of awareness of surroundings, Requiring help to eat, Lack of control over urination, Loss of muscle control to smile, swallow, or even walk or sit without support.

1.2 explain how physical and mental health factors may need to be considered when communicating with an individual who has dementia Mental and physical factors need to be considered when communicating with a individual that suffers from dementia. Some of the factors to considers world be reparative behaviour as the individual may become repetitive in physical behaviour and verbal communication. They may become verbally or physically abusive this may occur when the individuals becomes frustrated and confused. It is wise as a carer is to keep safe distance to insure all are safe. Also all training is relevant up to date to be able to provide excellent person care. Others factors are in late stages when all verbal communications are lost. You would have to change and learn different techniques of communications such as sign language, flash cards, learning to take direction from individual through small physical questures.

These can stable effective communication for the individual promoting their mental well, being and opening up different ways of communications. As dementia progresses the mental and physical health of the individual deteriorates and this makes it harder for them to communicate with others around them. As a carer I am aware that I need to be able to understand the ways in which I can make it easier to communicate with someone who has dementia. It will become difficult for a person to tell you if they are in pain, if they are frightened or upset, so by using other factors such as body language, eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, I am able to determine these things and then I can communicate back to the individual calmly and slowly, in a manner that is appropriate to them.

1.3 describe how to support different communication abilities and needs of an individual with dementia who has a sensory impairment Everyone with dementia is different, but all need the same level of care and understanding. Many have differing levels of sensory impairment such as sight and hearing. We can make it easier for them by taking into. A individual that suffers dementia and also has a sensory may require varied ways and aids in communication, example: hearing aids, flash cards, sign language and other sensory equipment and techniques. Always remember and check all equipment used is safe and regularly cleaned and checked to ensure full working order and safety. Excellent ways to ensure the individuals needs are met correctly and accurately are by reading their care plan for their assessed needs. When you communicating with a individual with dementia and sensory impairment be vigilant in your surroundings. Try to aim for a quiet or low noise area, so background noise is minimum. This very helps to create a calm and quiet area for communication.

1.4 describe the impact the behaviours of carers and others may have on an individual with dementia People with dementia can display certain behaviour deemed inappropriate and unacceptable, such as shouting, excessive screaming, inductive and inappropriate touching. Such behaviours should be seen as a result of the person’s conditions and handled in an empathetic and polite manner .Shouting at a dementia patient just because they are screaming can cause further distress and confusing to them . Not paying attention to them when they make a request can make them feel like a burden to the system and their careers, thus preventing them from willing to use the service the way they should.

A person with dementia may simply forget to go to the toilet, or may forget where the toilet is. They may also have lost the ability to tell when they need the toilet. Careers blaming them for their incontinences can make them feel sad and ashamed of the situation and themselves. Carers should encourage and reassure them instead of blaming them for anything that goes wrong. People with dementia should be encouraged to be part of their daily care routine if they can. Just by asking the patient to help hold a towel whilst carer pick other items can make them feel useful and helpful and part of their care. Staff doing everything and not attempting to get help from the person can make the person feel like a burden and useless.