TALKING TO AN OLD PERSON WITH DEMENTIA TO DO NOT TO DO Stay calm: a calm attitude helps avoid anxiousness. Speak slowly and in simple sentences: use short and direct sentences. Use the person's name, it helps to draw attention. Give clear instructions and one step at a time: too many details can be confusing. Show affection and reassurance: eye contact and a smile are essential. Use images or gestures to facilitate understanding. Accept any repetitions: the person may repeat questions or stories. Adapt to their reality: if they have incorrect beliefs (e.g. "I want to go home" while they are at home), try to reassure them without directly contradicting them. Don't constantly correct: it's better to avoid phrases like "I already told you". Don't say "do you remember?": it could create frustration. Don't contradict abruptly: if they have wrong ideas, it's better to gently bypass the issue. Don't show impatience even if they repeat the same things several times. Don't express frustration in front of them. Role-play PROBLEM Exercise 1: a patient becomes agitated because she confuses past and present Exercise 2: a hospitalised patient does not recognise where he is and believes he is at home AIMS Exercise 1: using emotional validation and reminiscence to transform the crisis into a moment of comfort Exercise 2: calm the patient, reassure him and prevent accidents Location: nursing home Characters: nurse and an elderly woman Case-study: disorientation leads Teresa to confuse the past with the present, causing anxiety and insecurity. If contradicted, she may react with agitation or resistance. The nurse must therefore use emotional validation and reminiscence to transform the crisis into a moment of comfort, bringing her back to a state of calm. EXERCISE 1 Location: geriatrics department of a hospital Characters: nurse and an elderly man Case-study: Mario, 85, is hospitalised in a geriatric ward due to pneumonia. He has advanced dementia and is particularly agitated today. Because of the dementia and disorientation, he believes he has to work and tries to get up, putting himself at risk. He tries to get out of bed and tries to leave, saying he has to check on his shop, a business he has run for decades. The nurse must calm the agitation without contradicting the patient, validating his memories and making him feel understood. He must also prevent accidents by preventing the patient from leaving the bed in a dangerous way, by offering reassuring activities such as a conversation or hot tea. EXERCISE 2 360 extra