One of the most useful communication tips we use at BayView is from our own Positive Interaction Training.  It requires a bit of mental effort but can make a huge difference as the following story illustrates.

A well intentioned visitor once remarked to one of our residents that she should be careful "not to fall" when getting in and out of her reading chair.  This particular woman typically has very good balance and strength, and it had never been a concern for her before.  For months following this interaction, this woman would utter the phrase, "Don't let me fall" when assisted.  I instructed my staff to counter this newfound obsession with the phrase. "Let's stand up strong now."  And now, several months later, she seems to have let go of that obsession.

The point is to be very aware of the "pictures created in the minds of our listeners," and especially when dealing with senior with memory challenges to phrase requests in the desired outcome.   "Stand up strong." is processed differently than "Don't fall." and that process can make a big difference in a Senior's lifestyle.