LO wears hearing aids and has dementia. Diagnosed multi infarct dementia 4 years ago. Now when we ask her something or respond to something she says, she acts like she can’t hear us -but hearing aids work fine at the audiologist- seems more like she can’t comprehend. By the time we repeat what we said or explain a different way she forgets where it all started. Anyone have this experience?
I don't know about you but in 45 seconds I can be on to a totally different subject. So conversations are often lost on people with dementia and when they finally do answer a question "we" look at them like .."what does that have to do with what I just said?"
Take your time. Speak distinctly and in a lower tone (high pitched voices are often lost when someone has a hearing problem) Look at the person, let them see your face as you talk. Facial cues are important.
Give someone plenty of time to answer and keep the questions simple
keep choices limited
do not continue talking and changing the subject while waiting for an answer.
You can rephrase a question if you do not get an answer BUT do not get frustrated and raise your voice or the pitch.
Its not that she can't hear, its that she can't process and yes may not be able to comprehend. Keep everything simple. Don't try to carry on a conversation. Let her lead and give short answers. I told the staff at the hospital to call me about anything that needed to be explained about Moms care. I went in one day to find two student nurses jabbering away at what was going to happen to Mom next. I could tell by Moms face she had no idea what she was saying. I told the girls "You lost her after the first word". Which is what happens. They are trying hard to process what is being said and don't hear it all.