Person living with dementia may struggle to understand the words you say, but they will always pick up on how you say them. The emotions behind your words speak volumes. Your attitude, facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language all play a crucial role in how your message is received. Even if your words are unclear to them, your feelings and intentions can still be understood.
Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Caregiving
Understanding emotional intelligence is essential when caring for someone with dementia. It helps you recognize and manage both your emotions and the emotions of the person you are caring for, ensuring your communication is more effective and compassionate.
Give Your Full Attention
If you’re a caregiver, focusing solely on tasks like ensuring the person with dementia has eaten or taken their medicine is not enough. It’s important to connect with them on a deeper level.
Here’s how you can do this effectively:
• Engage in conversation: Include the person with dementia in meaningful exchanges, even if the dialogue is simple.
• Use non-verbal cues: Smile, make eye contact, and adopt an open posture to communicate warmth and care. The importance of body language in dementia care cannot be overstated as non-verbal cues speak volumes..
• Show patience and empathy: Be understanding and supportive, even if the conversation or activity takes longer than expected..
Avoid distractions like texting or checking your emails during these interactions. When you give your undivided attention, it shows that you value them as a person, not just as someone to care for. Small gestures of connection can make a big difference in creating a sense of comfort and understanding.