Communication in dementia

Abstract

This chapter will consider principles of communication when caring for someone with dementia. It will start by looking at the role of communication in daily life, the effects of dementia on the individual's ability to communicate and the many barriers that prevent communication in dementia care. The chapter will then cover the moral, professional and ethical issues involved in the common practice of therapeutic deception and that focused on reorientation of the confused or anxious resident. The therapeutic value of person centredness and positive communication will then be discussed, as will the need for effective listening and sensitivity to those with expressive or receptive communication deficits.