All of the following statements are TRUE EXCEPT:
Most people with dementia can understand more than they can express, so it is important to avoid saying anything you would not want them to hear.
Good communication is more likely to happen when caregivers have a mindset that the person “has” a problem, rather than “is” a problem.
People with dementia make sense to themselves even when they don’t make sense to you.
To be attuned to a person with dementia essentially means letting them do anything they want.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer:
To be attuned to a person with dementia essentially means letting them do anything they want.
Explanation:
This statement is false, making it the correct answer to the “All of the following statements are TRUE EXCEPT” question.
Being attuned to a person with dementia involves understanding and responding empathetically to their needs, emotions, and behaviors. It does not mean allowing them to do whatever they want without limits or guidance. While empathy, patience, and respect are crucial in dementia care, boundaries, safety, and structure are equally important.
People with dementia often experience confusion, memory loss, and difficulty with reasoning and judgment. As a result, they may try to engage in behaviors that are unsafe, inappropriate, or distressing to others. Caregivers must remain supportive yet responsible, ensuring that their actions promote both emotional well-being and physical safety. Being attuned means you are present, observant, and responsive to the person’s cues, but it also requires careful redirection and support to guide them in a way that maintains dignity and safety.
In contrast, the other three statements are true and reflect best practices in dementia care:
- “Most people with dementia can understand more than they can express” – This highlights the importance of speaking respectfully even if the person seems unaware. Receptive language (understanding) often remains stronger than expressive language (speaking), especially in early to moderate stages.
- “Caregivers should adopt the mindset that the person ‘has’ a problem, not ‘is’ the problem” – This promotes compassion and avoids stigmatizing the person. Dementia-related behaviors are symptoms, not intentional misbehavior.
- “People with dementia make sense to themselves even when they don’t make sense to you” – This reminds caregivers to validate the person’s reality rather than confront or correct them, which can cause distress or confusion.
In summary, being attuned does not mean permissiveness—it means being responsive, understanding, and guiding with care. Would you like a summary visual or diagram to help reinforce this concept?