Does someone you love have dementia? Here are some ways you can still connect with them
Dementia often reduces a person’s ability to communicate. Here are some ways to help preserve relationships between people with dementia and their loved ones.
Dos and don’ts of communicating with someone with dementia
Some techniques to help family and caregivers connect with people with dementia while making them feel more comfortable.
“One of the key areas affected by dementia is language and communication. Learning some techniques can make things a bit easier for people with dementia and their caregivers, and can help a person with dementia feel more comfortable.
Do
•Face the person and stay in their sight line.
•Say the person’s name often.
•Provide comfort and affection through gentle touches.
•Use short sentences and repeat if needed.
•Ask open-ended questions first, such as “How can I help you?”
•If open-ended questions become too challenging, pivot to closed-ended ones, such as “yes” or “no” questions.
•Rephrase as needed.
•Repeat what the person says to show you understand them.
•Listen patiently: it generally takes individuals with dementia longer to be understood.
•Keep an even tone of voice.
•Speak slowly and pronounce clearly.
•Avoid distracting noises such as a loud TV.
Don’t
•Interrupt.
•Shout.
•Express impatience, either verbally or through gestures.
•Correct or contradict when the person expresses a memory that’s skewed.
Source: McGill University’s “Dementia: Your Companion Guide,” available in 12 languages.
Other resources
Alzheimer Society of Canada’s First Responder Handbook
Behavioural Supports Ontario: Person-Centred Language free e-courses for long-term-care workers
The Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care by Virginia Bell and David Troxel”
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