Module 2 Lesson 2. Improving communication How to check the person’s ability to hear and see? For all communication – talking, touching or gestures – the basics, like the ability to see and hear, are important. Unfortunately, dementia may impair someone’s ability to hear and see. Therefore, it is important that you check whether the person’s hearing and sight could be improved by making changes in their environment or arranging for any relevant medical check-ups. Activity Exercise to improve sight. The ability to see is important for communication. Tips Is there enough light? YesNo In general, people with dementia need more light to see clearly. Increase light levels and use daylight where possible. It will help the person living with dementia to see well. You may also think of leaving lights on at night so the person can find the bathroom. Is there enough contrast in colours? YesNo Dementia can make it hard to see contrasts. For example, if there is a white plate on a white table, people with dementia may have difficulty seeing the plate. A coloured plate or tablecloth may help. Is the person living with dementia wearing their glasses? YesNo Does the person living with dementia lose or misplace their glasses frequently? Encourage them to always put the glasses in the same spot to reduce frustration over having to look for them. Sometimes a neck cord is also helpful in that case. Are the glasses still okay? YesNo If the person living with dementia wears glasses, check whether they are clean and still comfortable to wear. Are the glasses comfortable around the ears and nose? Do you need to consult a doctor? YesNo If the person living with dementia does not have glasses, but cannot see well anymore, consult a doctor. If the person living with dementia wears glasses, check to see if the prescription is still accurate, or consult a doctor. Save