Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1547346
CHANGE THE WAY YOU COMMUNICATE Communication is probably the most important skill a hair pro can develop, as people living with dementia may have difficulty finding words, following a conversation, or processing several pieces of information at once. Try adjusting your communication: • Don't quiz their memory—Avoid, "Do you remember me?" or "Remember what we did last time?" If they don't remember, you've potentially created an uncomfortable situation. • Don't rush the silence—A few extra seconds may feel long to a stylist used to moving quickly. To the client, those seconds may be exactly what they need to process. • Get their attention first—Approach from the front, make eye contact, and use their name. • Give one direction at a time—Instead of, "Go ahead and sit down, put your purse over there, and we'll get started," break it into steps. • Never use "elderspeak"—A client may need simpler communication, but they still deserve adult communication. • Offer limited choices—Too many options can be overwhelming. Two options can be empowering. • Use plain language—Rather than saying, "Would you like to do your usual shampoo, cut, and style today?" try, "We're going to wash your hair first." TOUCH BECOMES COMMUNICATION TOO Stylists and barbers are already in an unusually intimate profession. We touch people's hair, scalp, face, shoulders, and sometimes neck. For most clients, this is familiar and expected, but for someone with cognitive decline, sensory sensitivity, anxiety, or physical limitations, unexpected touch can be confusing or frightening. Before touching, explain what you're going to do: "I'm going to put the cape around you." "I'm going to li your hair here." "I'm going to turn your chair." at simple narration gives the client a sense of control. Touch can also become a wonderful source of reassurance when it's welcomed. A gentle hand on the shoulder, a calm shampoo massage, or simply being physically present can communicate safety without requiring conversation. e key Dementia Care Certification Becoming dementia care certified helped our team understand that serving these clients isn't about one special trick. It's about changing our mindset: learning that communication is a service, patience is a service, comfort is a service, and flexibility is a service. There are several paths to get your salon certified. Consider the following resources: • CARES Dementia Certficiation through HealthCare Interactive at hcinteractive.com • Dementia Friend certification through Dementia Friendly America at dfamerica.org • essentiALZ training through the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org • State and county-level dementia training for businesses 66 AHP Indie Stylist Volume 7 Issue 2