- Talk to them in a pleasant manner and maintain a positive attitude.
- Eliminate surrounding noise, use body and eye contact to get their attention.
- Talk slowly in a comforting tone, use uncomplicated words and sentences. Repeat slowly if they do not understand.
- Try to ask yes or no question instead of open ended question, or provide a choice for them to choose from.
- Do give them time to reply the question. You may also suggest the possible answers when they have difficulty answering them.
- Keep conversation short and clear.
- When they are feeling depressed, try to distract them with a different topic.
- Provide reassurance and give support to them physically and verbally.
- Do talk to them about the delightful incidents that happened in the past, to bring back the happy memories.
- Use your sense of humor, make them laugh with you
