Communicating with someone who has dementia can be challenging, but it is also an essential part of providing care and maintaining connection. As the condition progresses, the way a person communicates changes, and both verbal and non-verbal interactions may become more difficult. However, with patience, understanding and a few practical strategies, meaningful communication is still possible.
This guide will help you understand the best ways to adapt your communication style. Our dementia care experts offer tips for making conversations easier and provide insights into how to support someone with dementia, ensuring they feel heard, respected and valued throughout their journey.
Why is communicating important for a person with dementia?
Effective communication is crucial for people living with dementia, as it helps them maintain their sense of identity, nurture relationships and preserve their quality of life. While dementia makes communication more challenging, adapting your approach can make a big difference.
As dementia progresses, both the person affected and their carers will need to adjust how they communicate. This can lead to frustration and distress for everyone involved. If a person with dementia struggles to express themselves, they may feel anxious, lose confidence or become withdrawn. This can also lead to challenging behaviours, which are often a reflection of their frustration or inability to communicate effectively.
What communication problems do people with dementia face?
People with dementia often experience communication difficulties beyond just word recall or language use.
Common challenges include:
- Word-finding difficulties: Struggling to find the right word or using the wrong word, can make conversations harder.
- Repetition: They may repeat words or phrases.
- Hearing and vision problems: These issues can further complicate communication, making it harder for them to follow conversations.
As dementia progresses, technology like smartphones and tablets can become helpful. Video calls allow the person to see your facial expressions and body language, which can be more effective than phone calls or text messages.
Before you communicate
Ensure you’re in an environment that supports clear communication. Choose a quiet, calm space with good lighting, free from distractions like the TV or radio, as busy environments can make it harder for someone with dementia to focus.
Timing is key. If the person communicates more clearly at certain times of the day, plan to engage them during those moments. Make the most of “good” days and adapt your approach to more challenging ones.
Consider how you would feel if you struggled to communicate and think about what might help you in that situation. Be sure to allocate enough time for the conversation; if you feel rushed or stressed, take a moment to calm yourself beforehand.
Reflect on previous conversations to identify what worked well in facilitating communication. If the person has reverted to their first language and you don’t speak it, consider involving family members or friends who do. Alternatively, use translated written materials or translation apps on a smartphone or tablet to bridge the language gap.
If an interpreter is needed, reach out to your local authority, the person’s care home or organisations like the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.
Lastly, get the person’s full attention before you start the conversation, ensuring they are ready to engage. Meeting their needs first—such as pain relief or hunger—will also help create a more conducive environment for communication.
Listening to the person
Listening is a vital part of effective communication, especially when interacting with someone living with dementia. Here are some tips to enhance your listening skills:
- Practise active listening: Pay close attention to what the person is saying. Show your engagement through verbal encouragement and non-verbal cues such as maintaining eye contact and nodding. This active listening approach can significantly improve the flow of communication.
- Observe body language: The individual’s body language can reveal a great deal about their emotions. Pay attention to their facial expressions and posture, as these can provide important signals about how they feel during the conversation.
- Clarify when necessary: If you don’t fully understand what the person has said, don’t hesitate to ask them to repeat it. If you’re still unclear, rephrase their response to confirm your understanding. This helps avoid misunderstandings and shows that you care about getting it right.
- Facilitate expression: If the person struggles to find the right word or finish a sentence, gently encourage them to explain it differently. Look for context clues and encourage them to describe objects or feelings rather than getting stuck on specific words.
Ways to communicate with a person with dementia
Effective communication with someone living with dementia requires a thoughtful approach that prioritises clarity and respect. Here are some strategies to enhance your interactions:
- Communicate clearly and calmly: Use a gentle tone of voice and maintain a composed demeanour to create a comfortable environment for conversation.
- Use short, simple sentences: Simplify your language to make it easier for the person to understand. Avoid complex sentences and jargon.
- Respect their dignity: Don’t speak to the person as you would to a child. Approach them with patience and respect, recognising their value as an individual.
- Engage in conversational exchanges: Rather than bombarding them with questions, try to communicate in a more conversational manner. This approach can reduce pressure and make the interaction feel more natural.
- Include them in group conversations: Ensure the person is included in conversations with others. Avoid speaking about them as if they aren’t present. Inclusion helps maintain their sense of identity and shows that they are valued, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Keep conversations short: If the person tires easily, opt for short, regular conversations instead of long discussions, which can be overwhelming.
- Avoid sharp language: Steer clear of speaking sharply or raising your voice. A calm and respectful tone can foster a more positive communication experience.
What to communicate
Effective communication with a person with dementia involves being mindful of how you phrase your thoughts and questions. Here are some key points to consider:
- Limit questions: Avoid overwhelming the person with too many questions or complex inquiries. This can lead to frustration or withdrawal if they struggle to find the right answers.
- Stick to one idea at a time: Focus on one topic at a time. While offering choices is important, presenting too many options can create confusion and anxiety.
- Simplify your questions: Phrase questions to allow for straightforward answers. For instance, instead of asking, “What would you like to drink?” ask, “Would you like tea or coffee?” Yes-or-no questions can also make it easier for them to respond.
What if the person has difficulty understanding?
When communicating with someone with dementia, it’s common for them to have difficulty understanding. Here are some strategies to help:
- Rephrase Your Message: If the person doesn’t grasp what you’re saying even after you repeat it, try expressing the same idea in a slightly different way. A fresh approach can make it clearer.
- Break It Down: If they’re struggling, consider breaking your message into smaller, more manageable chunks. This can help them process information more easily and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Use Humour to Ease Tension: If misunderstandings arise, try to laugh together about them. Humour can alleviate stress and strengthen your bond but be mindful to ensure that your laughter feels inclusive and not at their expense.
How Country Cousins can help
If you or a loved one are navigating the challenges of dementia, Country Cousins is here to help. Our dedicated team specialises in nationwide dementia home care, providing compassionate support that enables individuals to maintain their independence in the comfort of their own homes.
With a focus on continuity, our experienced carers are placed in long-term assignments to create a stable environment, reducing the stress that frequent changes can bring. Alongside companionship and daily assistance with tasks such as meal preparation and light housekeeping, we ensure that each person receives tailored support to enhance their quality of life.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706 should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
