Communication

Presentations

• Evidenced-based communication strategies that support person-centered dementia care (slides), presented by: Marie Y. Savundranayagam, PhD
• Behavioural Supports Ontario Person-Centred Language Initiative (slides), Presenters: Kate Ducak, Project Officer, Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging; Gagan Gill, Public Policy & Programs Analyst, Alzheimer Society of Ontario; and Tina Kalviainen, Strategic Communications Specialist, Provincial Coordinating Office, Behavioural Supports Ontario
• “I don’t know what to say”…Beginning Difficult Conversations (slides), Presenter: Elaine Book, M.S.W., R.S.W. and Amy Freeman, M.S.W., R.S.W in partnership with Parkinson Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and the Alzheimer Society. 
• Evidence Informed Communication Strategies For Family Members Of Persons With Alzheimer's Disease (Slides) - Presenters: Jeff Small, Phd, University of British Columbia, Joann Perry, PhD, University Of British Columbia; and Susan Lane, MD CCFP (CoE), North East Specialized Geriatric Centre & Northern Ontario School Of Medicine
• Relational Understandings of Personal Expressions (Slides) Sherry Dupuis, Professor, Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Partnerships in Dementia Care Alliance, University of Waterloo
• Communication Strategies: Ways to Maximize Success when Communicating with Someone with Dementia - recording - (Slides) Presenter: Tracy Danylyshen-Laycock (B.S.P.E., M.S.W., R.S.W (SK)), Behavioural Consultant for Seniors' Health and Continuing Care with Saskatoon Health Region
• Enhancing Communication in Alzheimer’s Disease, Bibliography,  Presenter: Elizabeth Rochon, Ph.D

Resources

• 5 communication tips for conversations with people living with dementia, Alzheimer Society
• Aphasia Institute - Resources & Tools
• Communication information sheet, Alzheimer Society
• Communicating with people living with dementia, Alzheimer Society
• ​Derogatory or Abusive Language towards Health Care professionals, Canadian Virtual Hospice
• Guidelines on language for person-centered care, Alzheimer Society
• Managing discrimination from patients and their guardians and relatives, British Medical Association
• Montessori Approach for Dementia, Saint Elizabeth
• Parkinson’s, Dementia and Special Communication Challenges Tips for Caregivers, Family and Friends, Parkinson Society
• Person-Centred Language eCourse - The Behavioural Supports Ontario Provincial Coordinating Office and Ontario Centres for Learning Research & Innovation in Long-Term Care have collaborated with McMaster University/machealth/iGeriCare to develop a free and interactive 45 minute e-learning course to equip teams with practical knowledge of person-centred language. The course is available in two streams. One is designed for team members and the other for team leaders/managers. All courses are available in both English and French languages. The use of person-centred language in LTC homes can make all the difference in helping to reduce stigma and discrimination all the while delivering resident and family-centred care and nurturing an atmosphere of respect – register to take the free course online!
• The power of language to create culture , Carmen Bowman, Judah Ronch, and Galina Madjaroff

Videos

• Maintaining the Connection - a whiteboard animation video providing evidence-based strategies for communicating with a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. This was created by Dr. Susan Lane and was designed as a solution to her own struggle to communicate effectively with a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. The strategies are derived from Dr. Jeff Small and Dr. Jo Ann Perry’s research article, Training family care partners to communicate effectively with persons with Alzheimer’s disease: The TRACED program. Learn more 

Related Topics

• BSO Person-Centred Language Initiative