10 tips for communicating with people with dementia

Communicating with people with dementia can be very challenging, as their language and cognitive abilities vary in severity and may continue to deteriorate as the disease progresses. Nevertheless, it is of great importance to maintain empathetic and respectful exchanges. This is because empathetic and mindful interaction promotes the quality of life of all persons involved in the care process and thus also ensures a greater willingness to cooperate on the part of the person in need of care.

With some targeted tips and techniques, communication with people with dementia can be significantly improved and a valuable connection maintained. Below are 11 practical tips that can help you support the communication process and make the interaction with your loved one positive.

 

1. speak slowly and clearly: speak at a calm pace. 

2. use short and simple sentences to make it easier to understand.

3. Make eye contact: Seek eye contact and maintain eye contact. Speak to each other at eye level!

4. be patient: allow enough time for the person with dementia to gather their thoughts and respond.

5. use non-verbal communication: Posture, gestures and facial expressions are important elements of communication. Pay attention to your own body language and use it to support your words.

6. also pay attention to the body language of your counterpart. Important messages about how he or she is feeling can show up in facial expressions and gestures.

7. remain positive and respectful: Communicate with a friendly and approachable attitude.

8. ask simple questions: Ask questions one at a time. Ask one question at a time and wait for the answer before asking further. It may be better to ask questions that can be answered "yes" or "no" to facilitate communication.

9. Verbal and non-verbal reassurance: Use simple words to express understanding or agreement. Show appreciation with nods, smiles or a loving touch. Express appreciation for what has gone well. Avoid pointing out failures or mistakes.

10. Give space to feelings: Pay attention to what feelings and emotions resonate in your counterpart's statements and reactions. 

These tips can help improve communication with people with dementia and facilitate supportive and respectful interaction. It is important to be aware that communication can be very individual and depends on the mood of the day and the course of the disease. Even with your best efforts, you may still not succeed in achieving the desired outcome. Always realise that this is not a failure, but only a momentary state on your path of learning. 

 

This is what I would like to tell you about this

To the family caregivers who daily care for their loved ones with dementia with dedication and commitment, I would like to express my deepest respect and appreciation. They are the ones who care for their loved ones with tireless patience and loving care while facing the challenges of dementia. Their dedication, empathy and willingness to engage with the needs and communication patterns of people with dementia deserve the highest praise. Please do not forget to also take care of yourself and seek support to maintain your own strength and health. You are doing great things and making a significant difference in the lives of those entrusted to your care.