Members of the MMBA are focused on promoting community value.
As our population ages we come into more and more contact with Seniors and folks who may have memory issues.
Recently at a Chamber of Commerce meeting in Kasson, we had a speaker from the county health department discuss dementia in communities.
There are programs available that offer training for your staff, to teach them about dementia and how to deal with it in the work place.
They have window clings that designate your business as Dementia Friendly.
More information is available at
www.ACTonALZ.orgConsider these observations and tips when speaking and interacting with someone who has dementia and is on site at your business or organization:*
Speak clearly and be patient. Speak clearly, calmly, and slowly to allow the person time to understand information. Use simple short sentences and avoid direct questions. Keep choices to a minimum and don't raise your voice. When possible, use a quiet, non-?distracting space/place to talk.
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Listen closely. Listen carefully to what the person has to say. Give plenty of encouragement as you look for clues about what they may be trying to communicate. The person may seem confused and say something that doesn't make sense to you. If the person finds it difficult to come up with a word, suggest one. But, be careful not to interrupt or finish their sentence. Don't rush. Try to go at their pace and work through the situation as best you can.
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Smile warmly and make eye contact. Someone with dementia may find it difficult to understand what is being said, but may quickly interpret the look on your face, your tone of voice, and your body language. Use a friendly tone and give body cues that respect their personal space.
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Respond to a look of distress. At times, people with dementia may have forgotten where they live. If someone looks lost and distressed, offer to help by asking if their address is on something in their pocket or bag. When necessary, local police can be of help.
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Watch for signs of change and offer help accordingly. Every day can be different. For some people with dementia, each day can bring a change in what they can do. How you help someone may differ each time you interact with them.
Know How to Communicate: Retail Setting*
Forgetting to pay. People with dementia may forget to pay for something they have picked up. Approach the person before they leave the store, ask if they are done shopping for the day, and say you would be happy to help them check out. Guide them to the checkout lane. Keep an eye out for the person forgetting to take what they purchased as they leave.
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Remembering and finding items. A person with dementia may have forgotten what they came in to buy. They may have a list, but have problems finding the items. Offer to help with the list. Help choose the typical amount of an item, particularly if they seem to be buying an unusually large amount.
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Making choices. While having choices is good, for someone with dementia, too much choice can be confusing. Ask what the person would like and then describe two or three options. Allow him or her time to think and make a decision.
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Handling money. Counting money, calculating change, recognizing coins and bills, and knowing the value of money can all be difficult for someone with dementia. Offer to help count out the money and be sure to provide a receipt. When appropriate, help someone through the steps of a credit card transaction.
Cathy Pletta
Kasson
