9 Tips for Communicating with Someone with Dementia

9 Communication Tips: 

1. Set the stage for good communication. 

Think about some topics of conversation ahead of time. Ensure your loved one is comfortable and not in pain. Minimize distractions and background noises, such as the TV, radio, etc. Ensure the lighting is good. Sit in front of them and relatively close (so you're both comfortable but not invading their personal space) and look them in the eye. Be calm and use a warm tone of voice. If you're comfortable with it, hold their hand to get their attention and provide a sense of security and connection. If you discover your loved one can communicate better at a particular time of day, try to use that to your advantage.

2. Use non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, and body language used to communicate with someone. Use it to communicate with your loved one and also pay attention to their non-verbal cues.

3. Don't ask open-ended questions

Open-ended questions are broader and can't be answered with one word, such as yes or no. An example of an open-ended question is, "What would you like for dinner?" When communicating with someone with dementia, it's better to use close-ended questions like "Would you like chicken or fish for dinner?"

4. Keep it simple but specific. 

Use short, simple sentences, but be as specific as possible. Instead of saying, "She went home," say, "Mary went home." Do not use jargon or slang.

5. Be patient

Give them time to find their words or to answer you. If they don't understand you, try re-wording your question or comment. If you don't understand them, ask them to repeat it or rephrase what they've said to check that you understood them. If giving instructions on how to do something, give them one step at a time.

6. Be respectful 

Don't act like they aren't there; include them in conversations with others. Encourage two-way discussions when possible. Don't talk to them like a child. Let them make some decisions. Help them find their voice but don't put words in their mouth. Try not to interrupt them. If they're upset, let them express their feelings. Sometimes the best way to communicate is to listen. Don't tell them they're wrong or they don't remember. Don't say things like, "I already told you twice," or "You really don't remember that?"

7. Take a break

Take a break if you feel overly frustrated or find yourself raising your voice. That could mean you leave the room to take a few deep breaths or go for a walk with your loved one– just enjoying their company without talking.

8. Understand that things will continue to change

Dementia is progressive. Usually, symptoms are relatively mild initially but progressively worsen over time. The best way to communicate with them may change over time.

9. Get Creative

Sometimes you need to get creative, especially during the advanced stages of dementia. Consider singing their favorite song, looking through a photo album, coloring (plenty of adult coloring books are available today), working on a puzzle, or creating a story together. These types of activities will help keep them engaged.

Need More Help Caring for a Loved One with Dementia?

As dementia progresses, it can become increasingly challenging to provide proper care and support your loved one's needs. If you find that you are spending all your energy on their immediate needs and that you don't have time to just be with them, it may be time to contact Comforting Home Care by Phoebe. We offer compassionate home health care for your loved one (for a few hours or 24-hour home care assistance), so you can enjoy simply talking and spending time with them.

Interested? Contact us today at 610-625-5206 or connect with us online.