Resident care · Advanced
Dementia Care – Advanced
Learn a little. Check your understanding right away.
Lesson 1
Responding to anxiety with empathy
Notice the emotion first, then respond in a way that helps the resident feel safe and heard.
Connect before you correct
A resident living with dementia may express fear, repeat a question, or ask to go home. The feeling behind the words is real, even when the facts seem confused.
Pause, come to the resident’s eye level, and listen without interrupting. A calm voice and unhurried body language can reduce distress before you offer the next step.
- Acknowledge the emotion you observe.
- Use short, reassuring sentences.
- Offer one simple choice or familiar activity.
Notice
Look for tone, expression, movement, and repeated words.
Validate
Let the resident know that you hear and understand their feeling.
Reassure
Stay present, speak calmly, and gently guide the next step.
Watch the moment
A calm response
Watch the complete video. A question will appear as soon as it ends.
Watch the video and answer correctly to continue.