Dawn Mayes Orchard blythe

optional unit nvq level 3

Understand and enable interaction and communication with individuals who have
dementia
1 Understand the factors that can affect interactions and communication of
individuals with dementia
1.1 Explain how different forms of dementia may affect the way an individual
communicates
Everyone who has dementia will experience things in different ways depending on the cause and
process of their Dementia their physical condition and the environment that they live in. Most
people with Dementia will experience increasing difficulties with communication as their dementia
progresses. Dementia can affect the brains ability to take in the information it receives so they have
difficulty understanding what is being said to them they may become confused when they are asked
questions or given choices they may also find it difficult to follow conversations they may answer a
question they have been asked but then forget what they have been asked. Individuals with
dementia will often find other ways to express themselves and communicate by using body
language for example or eye contact and facial expressions gestures and their tone of voice. Early
signs of an individual with Dementia language being affected can be they find it difficult to chose
the right words for things like objects they may recognise what it is but not what its called and use a
different word. As the Dementia progresses they will find it harder to put sentences together and
will hardly be able to communicate verbally at all they will forget their family's names and not
recognise them at all at the later stages and will lose all ability to communicate all together.

1.2 Explain how physical and mental health factors may need to be considered when
communicating with an individual who has dementia
when a individual with Dementia gets worse their physical and mental health usually worsens as
well. Conditions such as visual or hearing impairments can affect how an individual with Dementia
communicates. When an individual with dementia is in pain it can be difficult for them to let you no
they are in pain they may not be able to process the pain signals to understand the reason they feel
uncomfortable and could find it difficult to tell you they are in pain. This can effect an individuals
ability to interact and communicate with others around them as it can effect their concentration and
sleep which leads to them being tiered and irritable which could also lead to anxiety and depression
in some individuals which can make it hard for them to communicate. If an individual with
Dementia gets a urinary tract infection this can worsen their memory loss and state of confusion this
could lead to a worsening of any behaviour symptoms. An individuals environment can have a
huge influence on an individuals ability to interact and communicate. A noisy environment can
make it difficult for individuals to concentrate and conflicting noises can make it difficult for an
individual to hear or an environment which does not allow for privacy can also affect an individuals
ability to communicate. An individual with Dementia may experience dysphasia which is caused by
damage to the left side of the brain this is responsible for language and communication this can
effect the skills used for speaking and finding the right words for things and putting sentences
together.

1.3 Describe how to support different communication abilities and needs of an

individual with dementia who has a sensory impairment

We as cares should work in a person centred way putting each individual at the centre of our care.
Individuals with Dementia will need extra support with different types of communicational needs
depending on their level and progression of their Dementia. When it comes to sensory loss like their
vision this may get worse they may not be able to grasp visual images they may not understand
what they are seeing due to the changes in their brain this can be helped by maybe having bright
coloured pictures like in our home we have bright pictures of food on a menu board displayed to
make it easier for individuals to see what they will be eating that day or big bright pictures of the
toilet so they no were it is also the garden area and lounge this helps them find were they are going
more easier. A individual may experience a loss of touch and may not be able to tell if something is
to hot or cold we can make sure they are supported for example if they are having a bath or shower
making sure its at the right temperature if they are making a hot drink help them and make sure its
not to hot or cold so they are able to drink it. An individual with Dementia could lose their ability to
taste things which could cause them not to want to eat or they could eat things their not supposed to
putting things away in cupboards out of their reach and preparing food for them or helping them
make food can help them not to eat they wrong things. They may also have trouble hearing wear
hearing aids this may cause them not to understand what you are trying to communicate to them
avoiding noisy places and speaking clearly and slowly to them can help with this and don't try and
give them to much information a once or to many choice this can confuse them and make them
confused and agitated. There are lots of different physical conditions that could affect an individuals
ability to communicate. Cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis can lead to
difficulties with speech they may be able to understand what you are saying but may have difficulty
articulating their speech. We need as cares to make sure we give them extra tome and have patients
to enable the individual to prepare a response as the individual will also have trouble finding their
words they want to use as well as taking in the information given to them due to their Dementia.
An individual who has |Dementia may also have learning disabilities so we need to adapt methods
of communication to take into account their level of learning disability they have. They may
respond well to physical contact some may use alternative methods of communication like gestures
we should use person centred care and find out each individuals preferred way of communicating
and adapt our care for each individual.

1.4 Describe the impact the behaviours of carers and others may have on an
individual with dementia
When caring for individuals with Dementia we need to focus on what they can do rather than what
they can not do making sure we are patient and understanding enabling individuals to keep their
dignity and independence as much as they possibly can. See the individual as a person not as
someone who has Dementia see the person not the disease. We as carers need at adapt a person
centred approach to each individual. Individuals with dementia may act in a certain way that is seen
as not appropriate we as carers have to be understanding and deal with any situation in a positive
and caring way getting frustrated , shouting or raising your voice could cause their behaviour to
worsen or the individual may become frustrated and confused and withdrawn. Acknowledging
individuals when they need help maybe they need help going to the toilet because they have
forgotten were it is help as ignoring them can also make them withdrawn or frustrated and even
angry which could make them act out. Not taking their independence away and letting the
individual do as much as they can for themselves and you not doing it because its quicker and easier
give them a sense of belonging. When caring for individuals with dementia you need to have
empathy and understanding put yourself in their shoes and try and understand why they do things
and sometimes act in an inappropriate way think how you would feel and act don't be negative and
dismiss situations talk to the individual in a calm manner and always ex pain the best way you can
why their acting may affect and upset other individuals.

2 Be able to communicate with an individual with dementia using a range of verbal

and non-verbal techniques
2.1 Demonstrate how to use different communication techniques with an individual
who has dementia
SEE OBSERVATIONS
2.2 Show how observation of behaviour is an effective tool in interpreting the needs
of an individual with dementia
SEE OBSERVATIONS
2.3 Analyse ways of responding to the behaviour of an individual with dementia,
taking account of the abilities and needs of the individual, carers and others
Person centred care considers the whole person the individuals whole needs and not just their
physical needs individuals with Dementia require greater support from others they need nurturing in
order to thrive we as carers can support the need for individuals to be loved by demonstrating
unconditional positive regard, without any expectation of direct reward. When an individuals
Dementia progresses it can cause more behaviour problems or behaviour problems that they never
had before this can cause them to become confused it can be difficult for those caring for the
individual they may not understand why this individual is behaving in this way and cause stress to
the carer that's why it is important to update care plans when an individual with Dementia
symptoms worsen and their behaviour changes so the carers can adopt their care around the changes
for that individual. By caring for the individual and learning when they are deteriorating so we can
learn to understand the meaning behind the difference in behaviour of the individual with Dementia
we can adapt our care for that individual so that they get the best care for them. When an individual
is displaying difficult behaviour we as carers must be patient and understanding and react in a
positive way talking slowly and calmly and explaining to the individual why their behaviour can
affect others not being negative and acknowledging them and the changes they are going through.

3 Be able to communicate positively with an individual who has dementia by valuing

their individuality with an individual who has dementia by valuing their individuality

3.1 Show how the communication style, abilities and needs of an individual with
dementia can be used to develop their care plan
SEE OBSERVATIONS
3.2 Demonstrate how the individuals preferred method/s of interacting can be used to
reinforce their identity and uniqueness
SEE OBSERVATIONS

4 Be able to use positive interaction approaches with individuals with dementia

4.1 Explain the difference between a reality orientation approach to interactions and a
validation approach
Reality orientation is all about presenting information about time, place or person in order to help a
person understand their surroundings and situation. This information is repeated at regular intervals.
Its about the here and now it helps individuals with Dementia no what time of day it is and were
they are and what they may be doing. It helps the individual with Dementia memory by repeating
the time , day , place and what they are doing at that time. When you are having a conversation with
an individual with Dementia it help to include the time what day it is what they are doing were they
are they may ask you over and over these questions or you may repeat them several times a day.
Validation approach individuals with Dementia in the later stages may think they are living in a
different time like at home when there children are small and they need to check them to make sure
their ok. We as carers need to try and understand and empathise with the need the individual is
trying to express they believe this to be true and they are saying these things for a reason so we as
carers need to validate what they are saying and reassure them as much as possible so they dont get
stressed and become agitated .
4.2 Demonstrate a positive interaction with an individual who has dementia
SEE OBSERVATIONS
4.3 Demonstrate how to use aspects of the physical environment to enable positive
interactions with individuals with dementia
SEE OBSERVATIONS
4.4 Demonstrate how to use aspects of the social environment to enable positive
interactions with individuals with dementia
SEE OBSERVATIONS
4.5 Demonstrate how reminiscence techniques can be used to facilitate a positive
interaction with the individual with dementia
SEE OBSERVATIONS