Observation Skills are Key when Communicating with Someone Living with Dementia
Active listening skills are important when communicating with anyone, especially with someone living with dementia. Developing observation skills are also necessary to become more aware of all five senses and recognize, understand, and process what your loved on is trying to communicate a need. By becoming more skilled at mindfulness and staying present, you will learn to become aware of your own emotions and be able to use empathy and compassion to communicate more effectively.
Observing your family member’s emotions, reactions, and body language is crucial when the person is unable to express thoughts with words. Observing your own actions to help learn to regulate your emotions is also important. This will improve the relationship, ensure a more trusting connection, and create more self-awareness. This promotes personal growth and better decision-making skills that will be helpful in all aspects of life.
Gaining insight into your own body language and how it is interpreted by your family member, becomes easier with practice. Observing facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and focusing on the person’s emotional responses will let you know if the person is feeling understood and validated. Effective communication skills help you connect with your family member or friend and build meaningful relationships.
When you are able to recognize your family member’s emotional state before you engage in an interaction, you can adjust your emotions and communicate with fewer conflicts. All actions and behaviors are a means to communicate. Because of the changes in the brain of your loved one, the person can no longer change their behaviors to meet our needs. However, we can change. It is up to us to interpret what the behaviors are telling us and adapt to the person’s needs.
If you would like more information about our Memory Ministry, our Memory Cafe or Family and Friends Workshops, please contact Vicky at vpitner@firstumc.org.