What communication approach is recommended for residents with dementia or confusion?

• A. Speak loudly and quickly
• B. Use medical jargon
• C. Use simple clear statements, speak slowly, address by name, maintain eye contact, and validate feelings
• D. Ignore feelings

Answer: (C)

Clear, patient, person-centered communication works best with residents who have dementia or confusion. Using simple, clear statements helps them understand without overloading working memory. Speaking slowly gives them time to process what you’re saying. Addressing them by name orients them to who they’re talking to, which can reduce confusion. Maintaining eye contact shows you’re focused on them and helps there be a shared moment of connection, improving understanding. Validating their feelings—acknowledging emotions like frustration, fear, or sadness—helps reduce agitation and builds trust, making it easier to communicate and cooperate.

Speaking loudly and quickly can be overwhelming and hard to process; medical jargon is likely to confuse; ignoring their feelings ignores their emotional experience and can increase distress.