One in three nervous about speaking to people who have dementia
Bupa is launching a Talking Toolkit to help people communicate with friends and loved ones who are living with dementia.
The toolkit has been developed in response to new research which reveals that nearly a third (32%) of Brits are apprehensive about talking to people with dementia, and one in five (19%) people say that they fear meeting someone with dementia, as they don't understand the symptoms.
Even those who have a friend or relative with dementia say that they are not sure how to support them (30%) and state that they don't know what to expect as their condition progresses (35%).
The anxiety people feel about engaging with people living with dementia could mean that many - even friends and relatives - may not recognise the value and importance of continuing to interact with loved ones, even when a person no longer appears to be ‘in the present'.
Prof. Graham Stokes, Director of Dementia Care, Bupa Care Services explains; "We know there is a stigma associated with dementia and people are fearful of trying to communicate with those with the condition as they don't know what to say or how to respond to what might be perceived as unusual behaviour.
"Communicating with someone with dementia can present challenges especially as the condition develops, but finding ways to maintain meaningful communication is the single most important way people can support those with dementia. Our toolkit identifies some specific ways to help and encourage people to do this."
Tackling all stages of dementia, from memory loss and confusion to physical frailty and dependency, the Talking Toolkit contains guidance and practical tips from Bupa dementia care experts that will help people to engage and connect with those living with dementia. The guide aims to promote understanding of how dementia affects people's ability to convey their thoughts and feelings, and how this changes over time.
The Talking Toolkit advice includes:
Try not to ask open questions, as this can be confusing for someone with dementia. All questions should have a direct ‘yes' or ‘no' answer, or lead them to the answer. For example, instead of asking "what would you like for lunch", ask "Would you like a cheese sandwich?"
Where possible, keep statements brief. Remember that the person may lose the thread of the conversation if you talk for too long and this can lead to irritation and frustration for both you and the person with dementia.
Try not to contradict the person with dementia as this could increase their anxiety. Remember that at that moment, what they are saying is what they know to be true.
If the person with dementia is no longer able to communicate with you by talking, your physical presence may be enough to reassure them or put them at ease.
Prof. Graham Stokes, continues; "The more people understand about dementia, the more they will be able to help those living with it. The daily struggle to communicate can often leave carers feeling that there is a great emotional distance between themselves and their loved ones and this toolkit has been designed to bridge that gap, help carers cope and hopefully to dispel some of the misconceptions that exist about the condition.
"While there is no cure for dementia, it is a condition which can be managed with sensitivity and compassion. By equipping ourselves with the right knowledge and tools to support those with the condition, we can help them to live well."
The Talking Toolkit can be downloaded from bupa.co.uk/understanddementia. For more information on Bupa Dementia Care Services please visit bupa.co.uk.