Course ID: FQUEWU412
Course Name: Communicating with Patients Experiencing Dementia
Credits: 1

This one-hour continuing education home-study program focuses on the effect of dementia on communication abilities and the development of therapeutic relationships between the nurse and the person with dementia. Communication changes associated with dementia are discussed and strategies to enhance communication in commonly occurring nursing situations are presented.

About the Author:
Theris T. Touhy ND, APRN, BC
Associate Professor
Florida Atlantic University
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing

Dr. Touhy is an Associate Professor in the Christine E Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University. She is an APRN and a CNS in gerontological nursing and teaches courses in gerontological nursing and long term care in both the undergraduate and graduate programs in the College. Dr. Touhy has been a clinical nurse specialist in long term care at 2 different facilities in South Florida and is currently working with the therapeutic programs for people with mild to moderate memory impairment in the Memory and Wellness Center in the College of Nursing at FAU. Her research centers on improvement of care for persons with dementia, caring in nursing homes, and spirituality. Dr. Touhy has twice received the Distinguished Teaching Award in the College of Nursing and received the first Geriatric Faculty Award from the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing in October 2003. She has numerous publications and has presented her research at national and international conferences.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this home-study continuing education program, the learner will be able to:

• Describe the effect of communication changes in dementia on behavior and function.
• Explore how communication changes in dementia affect the development of therapeutic relationships between the nurse and the person with dementia.
• Discuss four communication strategies and nursing responses that promote meaningful communication and enhance personhood for patients experiencing dementia.