Date of Award
Spring 2019
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Communication Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Jill Tyler
Second Advisor
Dr. Gerald Yutrzenka
Third Advisor
Dr. Kathy Magorian
Keywords
Dementia, Communication, Caregiving, Hallucination, Psychosis, Behavioral Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), Mindful Communication
Abstract
Dementia is a complex disease comprised of multiple stages, causing it to present differently from person to person. While many people characterize people with dementia as forgetful, this symptom is often coupled with one or more of the following: decreased competency in communication and language formation, impaired judgment or reasoning, a hard time focusing attention, and impaired visual and auditory perception. In light of these symptoms, it is not uncommon for an individual with dementia to experience mild hallucinations or subjective realities. While research with dementia patients has been conducted to observe how communication competencies are affected, as well as what communicative strategies may be utilized while completing activities of daily living, communication tactics utilized specifically when caring for patients experiencing some form of subjective reality has not yet been explicitly investigated. This is an important topic, as approaches to hallucination and delusion can significantly impact a patient’s perception of, and engagement with, their surroundings and caregivers. This study aims (a) to shed light on what types of communicative strategies those caring for individuals with dementia use to bridge the gaps between their residents' environments and their skewed perception of them, and (b) to establish guidelines that caregivers may implement in their everyday practice.
Recommended Citation
Pollema, Christian, "Invisible Interactions: Communication Guidelines for Caregivers Facing Dementia-Induced Subjective Realities" (2019). Honors Thesis. 62.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/62