Hhh-Communication and Validation Strategies

8/13/2019 Hhh-Communication and Validation Strategies

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Communication and Validation

Strategies for

Residents with Dementia

Presented by HomeCare Rehab

and Nursing LLC


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Communication

Overview of Abilities Common problem is an increase in verbal

conflicts as ability to communicate decreases;word finding problems and losing the thread

of a story. Decrease in ability to censor self leads to

more blunt, direct, and socially inappropriatecomments.

Argue to protect pride, act defensive and lesscooperative; refuse often.

Reading to follow directions is not reliable.

Copyright 2003


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Communication

Strategies Get inside visual field (2-4 feet in front).

Keep verbal directions clear and simple; avoidconservational speech while guiding patient

through a task.Allow time to respond before asking question

again- ask again exactly the same way.

Limit choices and open ended questions:

Dont ask: What do you want for breakfast?

Ask: Would you like cereal or pancakes?

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Communication

Strategies

DO NOT EVER ARGUE!

Memory books may be effective with training

if the resident values it. Can learn schedule of activities if caregivers

consistently remind them to use it.

Communication board may be effective to

make choices- no more than 2 to 4 options.

Dont hang a sign to improve safety ororientation.

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Communication

Overview of Abilities

Can name familiar items, can state own

name, can say you and I appropriately.

Can speak in short phrases.

Talks to self frequently.

Repeats self, asks questions over and over.

Phrases may have meaning only to thepatient.

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Communication

Strategies

Get in visual field before speaking or touching

(14 inches in front).

Avoid asking questions that require more thanyes or no.

Show a positive response to all communication

attempts. Stop what you are doing and make eye contact.

Lower the pitch of your voice.

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Communication


May speak incoherently but sing a full song

without errors.

Uses one or two random words to communicate.

Able to say no.

May be able to identify body parts when

touched. Uses gestures to communicate until very late

stages (claps, points, waves).

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Communication

Strategies

Keep cues limited to 2 or 3.

Get in visual field (less than 12 inchesdirectly in front of patient).

Use all senses to engage patients

attention. Lower your voice.

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Validation

What is validation?

1. Letting the patient know that you accept

and respect their feelings.

2. Standing in their shoes- empathy.

3. Making them feel important and

intelligent.

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Communication

Absolute No Nos

1. No parenting, disciplining, scolding.

2. No baby talk.3. No arguing.

4. No negative body language (disgust,

frustration, boredom, impatience).5. No talking about patients in front of

patients.Copyright 2003


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Communication and Validation

Strategies for

Residents with Dementia

Presented by Sue Paul, OTR/L


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Communication







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Communication








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Communication

Strategies

DO NOT EVER ARGUE!





make choices- no more than 2 to 4 options. Dont hang a sign to improve safety or

orientation.

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Communication








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Communication

Strategies







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Communication

Strategies

Use distraction to answer repetitive questionsonce you have determined there are no other

needs. Reassure often. Responds best to demonstrated commands.

Assume that the person understands everythingyou are saying- dont talk about them, talk to

them. Scolding or lecturing is highly inappropriate and

ineffective.

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Communication


May speak incoherently but sing a full song

without errors.

Uses one or two random words to communicate.

Able to say no.

May be able to identify body parts when

touched. Uses gestures to communicate until very late

stages (claps, points, waves).

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Communication

Strategies




attention. Lower your voice.

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Validation

What is validation?





intelligent.

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Validation

How do we validate a patient?1. Match the intensity of their emotions with your

response.

2. Do not lie or belittle, let them know you hear

them.3. Do not try to orient a confused or frustrated

patient.

4. Take opportunity to redirect them if they offer-dont come up with an unrelated distraction.

Yes: It sounds like your father was very caring.No: Your father is dead. Did you see the weather outside?

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Communication







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Communication








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Communication

Strategies

DO NOT EVER ARGUE!





make choices- no more than 2 to 4 options. Dont hang a sign to improve safety or

orientation.

Copyright 2003


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Communication








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Communication

Strategies







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Communication

Strategies

Use distraction to answer repetitive questionsonce you have determined there are no otherneeds. Reassure often.

Responds best to demonstrated commands.

Assume that the person understands everythingyou are saying- dont talk about them, talk to

them. Scolding or lecturing is highly inappropriate and

ineffective.

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Communication

Strategies




attention.

Lower your voice.

Copyright 2003


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Validation

What is validation?





intelligent.

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Validation

How do we validate a patient?1. Match the intensity of their emotions with your

response.

2. Do not lie or belittle, let them know you hear

them.3. Do not try to orient a confused or frustrated

patient.

4. Take opportunity to redirect them if they offer-dont come up with an unrelated distraction.

Yes: It sounds like your father was very caring.No: Your father is dead. Did you see the weather outside?

Copyright 2003


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Communication

Absolute No Nos

1. No parenting, disciplining, scolding.

2. No baby talk.3. No arguing.

4. No negative body language (disgust,

frustration, boredom, impatience).5. No talking about patients in front of

patients.Copyright 2003

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Hhh-Communication and Validation Strategies