Some Communication Tips for Dementia

Do you know someone who is living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia? Perhaps you’re a caregiver yourself and you’re struggling with how to effectively communicate with someone who is losing the ability to communicate back.

Hopefully some of these tips will help you!

1.     Look for non-verbal communication. As seniors living with dementia lose the ability to speak, they may rely on alternative ways of communicating their thoughts and feelings. You could create a “communication board” made up of simple pictures displaying different actions or feelings to help them.

2.     Limit the number of choices. Someone living with dementia can become easily overwhelmed, so having a choice between two options is easier than them having to tell you what they would like (ie: “would you like beef or chicken for dinner?” instead of “what would you like for dinner?”)

3.     Validate their feelings. Everyone wants to be heard and everyone wants to know that it’s OK to feel the way they feel. Someone living with dementia is no different. If they are scared, provide them comfort and tell them it’s OK to be scared and that you are right there to help them. If they are sad, tell them it’s OK to feel sad and you’re there to support them.

4.     Listening is important. Someone living with dementia may want to talk about what changes they’re noticing and how it makes them feel. Remember to validate how they’re feeling when they tell you.

5.     Let go of the need to be right. This is one of the hardest things for most caregivers. Someone living with dementia is living in their own reality, so meet them where they’re at. Try not to correct them or argue with them as it will cause them to become agitated and upset. Imagine someone telling you you’re wrong all the time.

A senior living with dementia has a fascinating story to tell. If you’re struggling with how to carry on a conversation with someone who is no longer able to do so, try bringing out some old photos or colorful magazines of interest and look through them together. Remember, not all communication needs to be verbal. Sometimes simply sitting together and enjoying the simple things can be the most effective.