- Approach your relative from the front, and be sure she's aware of your presence to avoid startling her.
- Use any audiovisual materials or equipment that might enhance your loved one's ability to understand you.
- Explain what you'd like to do before providing any personal care, such as dressing or bathing.
- Avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises, which may frighten your relative.
- Make sure that your loved one is wearing clean glasses, if prescribed.
Sources:
Communication: Best ways to interact with the person with dementia. Alzheimer's Association. 2005. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_communication.pdf
Mace, N. L., & Rabins, P. V. (2006). The 36-hour day: A family guide to caring for people with Alzheimer disease, other dementias, and memory loss in later life (4th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
