ACC Communication and Emotional Support 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a person with Alzheimer's uses the wrong word but the caregiver understands the meaning, the best response is to:
- Correct the word immediately so they learn it
- Respond to the intended meaning without correcting (Correct answer)
- Ask them to repeat the sentence correctly
- Write down the correct word and show them
Correct answer: Respond to the intended meaning without correcting
Responding to meaning rather than correcting word errors reduces frustration and keeps conversation flowing naturally.
Question 2: A resident with mid-stage Alzheimer's becomes agitated each afternoon. The most effective communication strategy is to:
- Increase mental stimulation tasks to keep them busy
- Limit all interaction during that period
- Identify triggers and use calming, consistent language beforehand (Correct answer)
- Remind them of the date and time repeatedly
Correct answer: Identify triggers and use calming, consistent language beforehand
Recognizing patterns of agitation and proactively using calming communication can prevent or reduce sundowning behaviors.
Question 3: Which technique best supports a person with Alzheimer's who is having difficulty finding words?
- Finish their sentences quickly to relieve their frustration
- Offer a word choice: 'Do you mean the cup or the plate?' (Correct answer)
- Ask them to describe the word using different words
- Remain silent and wait for them to give up
Correct answer: Offer a word choice: 'Do you mean the cup or the plate?'
Offering limited word choices reduces cognitive load while preserving the person's sense of agency in the conversation.
Question 4: When a person with Alzheimer's repeatedly tells the same story, the caregiver should:
- Gently point out they already told that story
- Listen attentively each time as if hearing it for the first time (Correct answer)
- Change the subject to stop the repetition
- Document the repetition as a sign of decline
Correct answer: Listen attentively each time as if hearing it for the first time
Listening respectfully each time validates the person's emotions and prevents the embarrassment of being corrected.
Question 5: Which type of question is MOST effective when communicating with someone in advanced Alzheimer's?
- Open-ended questions like 'How was your day?'
- Complex multi-part questions
- Yes/no or simple choice questions (Correct answer)
- Questions requiring recall of recent events
Correct answer: Yes/no or simple choice questions
Simple yes/no or binary-choice questions reduce cognitive demand and allow the person to participate in conversation.
Question 6: A caregiver notices that touch is more soothing to a resident than words. This observation is important because:
- Touch should replace verbal communication entirely
- Non-verbal communication often remains effective longer than verbal in Alzheimer's (Correct answer)
- The resident likely has a hearing problem
- It means the caregiver does not need to speak anymore
Correct answer: Non-verbal communication often remains effective longer than verbal in Alzheimer's
Emotional and non-verbal communication channels such as touch, tone, and facial expression are often preserved longer than verbal processing in Alzheimer's.
Question 7: When a person with Alzheimer's says 'I want to go home' while already at home, the best first response is to:
- Show them their bedroom to prove they are home
- Explore the feeling behind the statement, such as asking 'What do you miss about home?' (Correct answer)
- Correct them firmly so they accept reality
- Distract them with food immediately
Correct answer: Explore the feeling behind the statement, such as asking 'What do you miss about home?'
'I want to go home' usually expresses a feeling of insecurity or longing rather than a literal place, so exploring the emotion is most therapeutic.
ACC Communication and Emotional Support 2
When a person with Alzheimer's uses the wrong word but the caregiver understands the meaning, the best response is to: