Losing the ability to communicate can be a
frustrating and difficult experience for people with
dementia, their families and carers. As the illness
progresses, the person with dementia may find it
increasingly difficult to express themselves clearly,
and to understand what others say. Written with both
family and professional carers in mind, this book
clearly explains what happens to communication as
dementia progresses, how this may affect an individual's
memory, language and senses, and how carers might need
to adapt their approach as a result. Advocating a
person-centred approach to dementia care, the author
describes methods of verbal and non-verbal
communication, techniques for communicating with people
who can no speak or move easily, and strategies for
communicating more effectively in specific day-to-day
situations, including at mealtimes, whilst helping the
person with dementia to bathe or dress, and whilst out
and about.Exercises at the end of each chapter encourage
the carer to reflect on their learning and apply it to
their own circumstances, and guidelines for creating a
life story with the person with dementia as a means of
promoting good communication are also included. This
concise, practical book is essential reading for family
caregivers, professional care staff, and all those who
work with, or who are training to work with, people with
dementia. |
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