Transcript Slide 1

Effective
Communication
Strategies
&
Problem Solving
Difficult Behaviors
Heather Gray
Family Support Coordinator
Alzheimer’s Association
1.800.272.3900
Workshop Objectives
To better understand how it feels to have Alzheimer’s
disease.
To learn the principles and practical techniques in
communication.
To learn the principles and practical techniques in
understanding and addressing challenging behaviors.
Understanding how it feels
to have
Alzheimer’s disease
Confusion
► Central problem in Alzheimer’s disease
► Source or stimulus for emotional and
behavioral problems
► Ability of cognitive powers to keep confusion at
bay dwindles
► Evokes feelings and needs that cannot meet
A Disease of Emotions
Confusion
Discomfort
Behavior
Effective
communication
and flexibility
Prevention and
reduction of
symptoms
Principles for
Understanding Communication
Understand what isn’t possible to change
Thoughts, beliefs and actions significantly
impact behavior
All behavior has meaning
Connecting overrides the task
Benefits of
Compassionate Communication
Fosters selfesteem
Reduces
frustration
Benefits
Strengthens
independence
Enhances
relationship
Steps to
Compassionate Communication
Be a Good Listener
1
Express
Interest
Don’t
Interrupt
Focus
on
Feelings
Be
Patient
Facilitate a Connection
2
► Establish eye contact
► Use touch and gestures
► Use a calm voice
► Speak simply and slowly
Check the Environment
3
► Be in plain view
► Avoid bright and dark settings
► Set aside a quiet place
► Reduce distractions
Adjust Your Approach
4
► Think ahead
► Give simple instructions
► Ask one question at a time
► Be mindful of facial expressions
and body language
Focus on Remaining Skills
5
► Match activities to abilities
► Encourage activities of
independence
► Respond to feelings, not words
► Establish routines
Effective Communication Tips
Do’s
•
•
•
•
•
Repeat
Accept blame
Leave room
Agree
Use distraction
Don’ts
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•
•
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Reasoning
Argue/Confront
Reminding
Questioning recent
memory
• Take it personally
Understanding and Addressing
Challenging Behaviors
Common Behavior Challenges
Pacing,
wandering
Loss of
inhibition
Impulsiveness
Repetitive
questioning
Agitation,
aggression
Resistance
Why Difficult Behavior Occurs?
► What was the behavior? Is it harmful to the individual
or others?
► Did something trigger the behavior?
► What happened immediately before and after the
behavior?
► How did you react?
Physical /
Emotional
Medications
Environmental
Too many steps
Space
Too many steps
Acute/ Chronic
Illness
Communication
Lack skills
Factors of Difficult Behaviors
Dehydration
Stimulation
excess
Not modified
Depression
No cues
Pain & Discomfort
Too complex
Sensory Loss
No structure
Can’t understand
Constipation
Fatigue
Clutter
Unfamiliar
The 6 “Rs”
1
Remain Calm
2
Respond to Feelings
3
Reassure the Person
4
Repeat When Necessary
5
Remove Yourself
6
Return Later
Our Mission
is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the
advancement of research; to provide and
enhance care and support for all affected; and
to reduce the risk of dementia through the
promotion of brain health.
www.alz.org
800-272-3900