Create a Comfortable Environment
- Choose a quiet, familiar space to minimize distractions and make the resident feel at ease.
- Avoid jargon and complex questions. Speak slowly and clearly.
Focus on Feelings and Experiences
- Allow extra time for responses. They may need a moment to recall information.
- If they seem confused, rephrase or repeat questions without frustration.
- Acknowledge their feelings and experiences, even if they seem confused or fragmented.
- Be mindful of their energy levels, pay attention to signs of fatigue or frustration, and be prepared to take breaks.
- Approach the interview with empathy, understanding that memory loss can be frustrating and disorienting.
- Encourage them to express their thoughts freely without suggesting answers.
- Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings rather than just yes/no answers.
Involve Family or Caregivers
- They can provide context and support, helping to make the interview smoother.
Be Strategic
- For a resident that you know will take longer to interview, schedule the interview with a time frame. This makes redirecting the conversation easier.
- Timing is crucial. Choose a time that works best for the resident. If the original time doesn’t work, adjust and try again at a later time.
Jump to another article to learn more about interviewing:
Essentials of Interviewing (video)
Four C’s of Quality Interviews