Building the Path to Home

Connecting with the person

• Talk to the person in a quiet place that is familiar to him or her.
• Talk to the person while sharing a task or game, or go for a walk together.
• Use simple words and short sentences. Focus on one thought or step at a time. Speak slowly, pause often.
• Avoid abstractions. Talk about things you can see, not just imagine.
• Use visual cues when possible (e.g., drawings and gestures) to support or clarify what you are saying.
• Give clear choices (between two or three things, not long lists of things).
• Ask a question on the same topic in two or three different ways to get a sense of whether the person's answers are consistent.
• Minimize demands. Keep the pace of the conversation slow so that you both take in the content.
• Ask the person to repeat what you said in his or her own words. Or ask the person to do something that you have just explained.
• Take an interest in the person. Ask about what he or she does and likes to do, about who comes to visit each week, about what family is in the area and about how close he or she is to the family. Ask if the person has a doctor and a case manager, and whether he or she belongs to a faith community.
• If you need to get things done, go through the steps with the person. Show the person what to do (don't assume he or she knows). Let the person take the lead so you can check whether he or she understands what to do.
• If there's a familiar person there, let him or her be part of any discussion.
• Encourage the use of "comforters" (behaviours or items that soothe or relax the person).
• Show interest in any object the person clutches for comfort.
• Show warmth and positive regard.
• Be sensitive to cues (e.g., the person's tone of voice).
• Be aware of non-verbal messages you are giving that may remind the person of past negative experiences.
• Avoid direct questions (the person may be intimidated and say yes just to please).
• Give the person time to size you up if he or she seems fearful. Respect personal space.

*Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2002). Practically Speaking. Toronto: Author.

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