Long-Term Care

Trainer's tip: Communicating with dementia residents

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, July 16, 2009

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  • Be open, friendly, and gentle at all times.
  • Always address the resident by name to get his or her attention at the beginning of an interaction.
  • Give your full attention to the conversation or task. This helps the resident stay focused.
  • Briefly introduce yourself and offer some cues when you approach, stating your name and relationship and the purpose of your visit.
  • Speak slowly, but do not speak down.
  • Use gentle touching or hand holding, but get permission first.
  • Avoid arguing and attemps to reason with a resident who is upset.
  • Acknowledge his or her feelings and distract him or her with something calming, pleasant, and friendly.

This is an excerpt from HCPro’s book, The CNA Training Solution, Second Edition.



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