WORKSHOP 1 - Understanding
the World of Alzheimer's
WORKSHOP 2 - Non Verbal Communication
WORKSHOP 3 - Verbal Communication
WORKSHOP 4 - Listening Skills
WORKSHOP 5 - Tools for Behaviors
WORKSHOP 6 - Tools for Caregiving
WORKSHOP THREE - VERBAL COMMUNICATION
RITUAL: Name tags/Handouts/Snack/Sit in a new seat
DISCUSSION: Talk about last week’s class
ICEBREAKER: Pick one from
my big list
WARM UP: Go!
* Researchers define verbal communication as any means of communicating
that uses words, numbers or symbols. The average person spends 70%
- 80 % of their day communicating verbally.
9 % Writing
16 % Reading
30 % Speaking
45 % Listening
DISCUSSION : After the Making the PBJ exercise , I go through the
handouts of which of the points applied. Usually # 1 - 7, 13 and
14 I explain each in more detail as point out how they did or did
not use these techniques in the exercise.
HANDOUTS for Communication:
Verbal (click for printable PDF)
* Which is your personal stumbling block? Which one of these points
do you need to remind yourself of or consistently work on? Let the
group know which one. Show you are human.
- Slow down
We are so used to speaking quickly. Record yourself and listen
how fast you speak.
* I use the example of trying to listen to your answering machine
or voice mail and how quickly people are speaking. You can’t
understand their message.
- Be Specific
“ Go there.”” Sit by her.”” Put
that on your head.” All of those can
be misunderstood. Make sure you are as clear as possible.
- One instruction at a time
Processing takes longer and more than 1 instruction will be
forgotten. See # 3 & 8
- Stay away from pronouns.
He. She. It. We need to be specific.
- Validate Feelings & Empathize
Be aware of the persons facial expression and the tone of their
voice. Let them know you understand.
- Use their name
If you are not sure if you know someone - but they know and say
your name, it is reassuring. "If you are walking down the
hallway and you hear someone say your name ‘ Karen !’
you turn and look and assume this person knows you."
- Be Patient
Sometimes it is very hard. You want to just do it yourself or
finish the sentence. Give respect and dignity. Take a deep breath.
- Who Where What.
Begin with orienting information. "Good Morning Mr. Jones!
I’m Karen and I am here to take you to therapy."
- Don’t argue
You won’t win. Ever. Most of the time there is logic to
- Repeat. And repeat it exactly the same.
If you are having trouble being understood. Look at # 8. And repeat
what you said exactly the same way. The person is trying to remember
and process what you said the first time. Don’t change the
words around to try and help them. It won’t. If repetition
does not work, try saying it in a new way.
- If you ask questions - try to give 2 choices or a “yes/no”
"Bill, here’s your sweater, would you like to wear
your blue sweater or red sweater?" When giving choices, put
the choices at the end of the sentence. You may have to show the
into Polite Commands
- Avoid abstract words.
Use "Let’s eat soup" instead of "Let’s
* Explain further what is abstract and concrete.
- Think about the environment.
Is the TV blaring and 4 or 5 people talking in the background
and your care receiver is not responding at all ? Be aware of
distractions and new surroundings.
- Praise. Praise. Praise.
Everyone wants and needs to know they are doing well. Non verbal
and verbal reassurance is a must.
This is a universal way of communicating.
ball Thank You!
in 2 Sentences - Verbal
You can have them do this worksheet alone or in pairs.
CLOSER: Look at list of closers.
EVALUATION: Fill out one
page evaluation (click for printable PDF)
HOMEWORK : Look over your handouts and which of these apply to
you? Which one can you focus on for this next week?