The Caregiver’s Journey / Chapter Two / Communication Effects / Conversation Topic Selection
What might you see?
- Problems finding good topics for conversation
- Problems keeping up when topics change in a conversation
- Introducing a new topic abruptly
- Problems staying focused on or engaged with a topic
How can you help?
- Pick topics that your family member enjoys. Ask about their interests and opinions.
- Clarify new topics as they come up.
- Ask how their comment relates to the topic.
- Tell your family member you are confused or getting lost in the conversation.
- Gently and consistently alert your family member if they are bringing up a topic that may be offensive to others.
Air Force Center of Excellence for Medical Multimedia