How to use words like shower, toilet, and dinner when working with someone living with dementia.

Someone asked Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care (PAC) Team, "Why do you recommend not using words that tell the person the task you want to do with them, shouldn’t we tell the person what we are doing?”
Well at PAC there’s no hard fast rule about this topic, except that if you ask a yes/no question, you must be willing to accept no. Since language comprehension gets harder as dementia progresses, someone may say no without really understanding what you are asking. In this session, we talk about how, and when, to introduce those words so that the person truly understands what you are trying to communicate.
When you want to communicate that you are about to do something, like go to the bathroom, take a shower, or other tasks around self-care, work to choose your place and time carefully! Once you are at the place where the task will happen, you can then offer simple word cues with visual cues that match. Be sure to show the cues on yourself first. This will give the person you are working with the opportunity to truly make a choice.
Take a few minutes to explore when and where to use the words about the task, or our agenda. Try a new way to connect with someone, offer choices, and then talk about the task so that you can be more successful together.
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[@mariatrotter6889]

Just love Teepa

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And we just love you @MariaTrotter:)
- Teepa's PAC Team

[@danal3178]

Thank you! That was very helpful!

[@teepasnowvideos]

So glad!

[@teepasnowvideos]

Hi, @Dana L, if you liked this How-to, please check out the How-To with PAC Playlist (czcams.com/video/uajOxJ2mQ3s/video.html) or maybe check out Teepa on TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@teepasnow?)

[@mrs.e3909]

How do you relate to someone with dementia who accuses or is aggressive towards a family member, sometimes physical and striking out.

[@teepasnowvideos]

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[@MJLR2410]

If they have to go to the bathroom why do they say no? Why don't they have the same agenda if that's what they need?

[@teepasnowvideos]

Hi, @MJLR2410, great question. As their brain changes, the ability to recognize the need to go to the bathroom may not get communicated or a person may not actually understand the question that you are asking. Language changes sometimes affect comprehension of the actual words, they may be picking up on the fact that we are asking a question and so they just say no rather than letting you know that they don't understand. I hope this anwer helps you. If you'd like to discuss it in more detail, please email [e-mail] or call 1-877-877-1671.