TR Resource

Reality orientation is based on a persons real knowledge to their environment, surrounding, and self.  In a clinical setting a person could be oriented x3, meaning that individual is oriented to person(1), place(2) and time(3).  Reality orientation can be a pertinent part of treatment/everyday life for individuals with dementia and thought disorders such as schizophrenia. Imagine your self waking up one morning and not remembering your name or where you are.  Talk about scary! Individuals with dementia have a tough time staying oriented and need reminders.  Different techniques can be used for reality orientation.

Some simple but effective techniques for reality orientation are:

• Orientation boards (could include): Date (month, day, year), City/Town, Weather outside, Next holiday, etc. (Example)
• Newspapers sitting out in a common area
• Introduce yourself every time you interact with the individual.
• Accept that they don’t remember, don’t punish them for it.
• Orient them to the truth, don’t lie just to make things ‘easier’
• Validate what they say even if it makes little since (see validation for more information)
• Use objects that are familiar to them and enjoy (self care items, games, newspapers, cards, tools), these can be used conversation starters
• Keep information short and to the point
• Wait a while before repeating or assuming the person isn’t listening, people with dementia can take up to a whole minute to comprehend what was just asked of them, plus a little more to respond to you.
• Don’t yell!! (unless they’re very hard of hearing) They’re not stupid, it just takes some time to respond.