ACC - Alzheimers Caregiver Communication and Person-Centered Care Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person with mid-stage Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated and insists that she needs to leave to go pick up her children from school, even though her children are grown adults. What is the MOST appropriate person-centered communication technique to use in this situation?
- Gently reorient her to the correct day and time, and remind her that her children are adults.
- Agree with her and suggest you both leave to pick up the children right away.
- Acknowledge her feelings of responsibility and ask her to tell you about her children. (Correct answer)
- Distract her by turning on the television to her favorite show.
Correct answer: Acknowledge her feelings of responsibility and ask her to tell you about her children.
This response uses Validation Therapy, which focuses on acknowledging the person's feelings and the reality they are experiencing, rather than correcting them. Asking about her children validates her emotions and redirects the conversation in a positive way, which can reduce anxiety and agitation. Reality orientation can increase agitation in later stages, and simply distracting may not address the underlying emotional need.
Question 2: Which of the following is a key principle of person-centered care language when communicating with or about an individual with dementia?
- Using endearing terms like 'sweetie' or 'honey' to build rapport.
- Focusing on the person's diagnosis first to ensure care needs are met.
- Speaking about the person with their family members instead of directly to them to avoid confusion.
- Using 'person-first' language, such as 'a person living with dementia'. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Using 'person-first' language, such as 'a person living with dementia'.
Person-centered care emphasizes the individuality and dignity of the person. 'Person-first' language focuses on the individual rather than the disease, for example, saying 'a person living with dementia' instead of 'a dementia patient'. This approach avoids labeling and promotes respect.
Question 3: When communicating with a person in the late stage of Alzheimer's disease who has very limited verbal ability, which strategy is most crucial?
- Speaking loudly and slowly to ensure they can hear you.
- Relying heavily on non-verbal cues like tone of voice, facial expressions, and gentle touch. (Correct answer)
- Asking complex, open-ended questions to stimulate cognitive function.
- Correcting their attempts at words to help them communicate more clearly.
Correct answer: Relying heavily on non-verbal cues like tone of voice, facial expressions, and gentle touch.
In the late stages of Alzheimer's, individuals may lose the ability to use and understand words, making non-verbal communication essential. Caregivers should pay close attention to body language and use a calm tone, gentle touch, and reassuring facial expressions to communicate. This approach fosters a sense of connection and security when verbal communication fails.
Question 4: A caregiver is helping a resident with dementia get dressed. The resident becomes frustrated and says, 'Leave me alone! I can do it myself!' although they are struggling with the buttons. Which response best reflects a person-centered approach?
- "You're right, you are very capable. How about I help with just this one tricky button?" (Correct answer)
- "We don't have time for this. Let me just do it for you quickly."
- "I'm just trying to help you. You won't be able to do it on your own."
- Ignoring their comment and continuing to button their shirt.
Correct answer: "You're right, you are very capable. How about I help with just this one tricky button?"
This response respects the resident's desire for autonomy and dignity while offering minimal, targeted assistance. It validates their statement ('You're right') and then negotiates a way to help that is less intrusive, which is a core component of person-centered care.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a recommended technique for effective communication in mid-stage dementia?
- Asking simple, yes-or-no questions.
- Using visual cues and gestures to supplement words.
- Presenting multiple choices at once to encourage decision-making. (Correct answer)
- Speaking in a quiet environment with minimal distractions.
Correct answer: Presenting multiple choices at once to encourage decision-making.
Presenting multiple choices can be overwhelming and confusing for a person in the middle stages of dementia. It is better to offer limited choices, often just two at a time, or ask simple yes-or-no questions. A quiet environment, using visual cues, and simplifying questions are all recommended strategies.
Question 6: A caregiver notices that a person with Alzheimer's often has a tense facial expression and clenched fists during personal care activities. This is an example of what form of communication?
- Verbal communication
- Therapeutic communication
- Reality orientation
- Non-verbal communication (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Non-verbal communication
Non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, and gestures. For individuals with dementia, who may lose the ability to express themselves with words, non-verbal cues are a critical way they communicate feelings like pain, distress, or fear.
ACC - Alzheimers Caregiver Communication and Person-Centered Care Questions and Answers 1
A person with mid-stage Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated and insists that she needs to leave to go pick up her children from school, even though her children are grown adults.
What is the MOST appropriate person-centered communication technique to use in this situation?