Unit 4222-371
Understand and enable positive interaction and communication with individuals who have dementia (DEM 312) Assessment Criteria
Outcome 1
Understand the factors that can affect interactions and communication of individuals with dementia The learner can:

1. explain how different forms of dementia may affect the way an individual communicates
People with dementia often experience a gradual decrease in their ability to communicate as their dementia progress. They may find it more and more difficult to express themselves clearly to others and to understand what others are saying to them. This can become frustrating for people with dementia and for those trying to communicate with them. The different types of dementia affect the brain in different ways and each individual communicates their thoughts and feelings in a unique fashion. However, there are often similarities in their losses. How communication is affected: In the early stages of some forms of dementia people have difficulty finding the right word; and in the late stage words may be lost completely in all forms of dementia. It becomes harder to put sentences together as the disease progresses. Automatic responses such as "hello" are maintained for the longest period of time. In the late stages of the disease a person with dementia may have very limited ability to speak. Remember: There is more to communication than what you say. Communication is made up of: Body language (including facial expressions, posture and gestures) Tone and pitch of the voice.

2. explain how physical and mental health factors may need to be considered when communicating with an individual who has dementia
People with dementia may have other difficulties too, like loss of hearing, make sure that the hearing aids are working well and that you speak to them in a loud clear voice so they can understand you. [ The