Be aware that communication problems and weakness can make the handling of patients with dementia challenging.
Face the patient when speaking. Speak slowly.
Use clear, short sentences.
Call patient by name.
Use calm, reassuring tone of voice.
Allow time for response.
Offer simple, one-step instructions.
Repeat verbal cues and prompts, as necessary. This assists when thought processes are delayed.
Determine if the patient experiencing dementia has receptive aphasia. This inability to understand what is being said results in noncompliance with verbal instructions.
Phrase instructions positively. For example, remind the patient to “Stand up” until the chair is correctly positioned, instead of saying “Don't sit down.” The patient may not register the “Don't” and will try to sit too early. Positive instructions are more likely to result in successful maneuvers.
Ask one question at a time, allow the patient to answer, and repeat the question, if necessary.
Allow the patient to focus on the task; avoid correcting the process of the action unless it would be dangerous to the patient not to do so.
Identify the patient's established patterns of behavior, customs, traits, and everyday habits and try to incorporate these habits into desired activities. For instance, a patient with dementia may resist or become frightened when a morning shower is attempted if the patient was accustomed to evening baths. Another person may have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning for the simple reason that he is being asked to get out on what he considers the wrong side of the bed.
Source: Adapted from Eliopoulos, C. (2018). Gerontological nursing (9th ed.). Wolters Kluwer; Jootun, D., & Pryde, A. (2013). Moving and handling of patients with dementia. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 3(2), 126-131; Toughy, T. A., & Jett, K. (2018). Ebersol and Hess' gerontological nursing & healthy aging (5th ed.). Elsevier; and Varnam, W. (2011). How to mobilise patients with dementia to a standing position. Nursing Older People, 23(8), 31-36.